U  F 


UC~NR*-r 


GIFT  OF 


1 


DRILL  REGULATIONS 

FOR 

.CHINE -GUN  PLATOONS 

INFANTRY 

UNITED  STATES  ARMY 

1909 


WASHINGTON 

GOVERNMENT  PRINTING  OFFICE 
1909 


DRILL  REGULATIONS 

• 
FOR 

MACHINE-GUN  PLATOONS 

INFANTRY 
UNITED  STATES  ARMY 

1909 


WASHINGTON 

GOVERNMENT  PRINTING  OFFICE 
1909 


OEDEE  OF  SUBJECTS. 


Par. 

Organization  of  the  section 1-6 

Organization  of  the  platoon 7-8 

Duties  of  the  gun  squad 9-63 

Duties  of  the  ammunition  squad 64-78 

Duties  of  the  pack  squad 79-92 

Drill  of  the  section 93-121 

Drill  of  the  platoon 122-153 

Arrangement  of  equipment 154-160 

Marches 161-177 

Camps 178-187 

The  platoon  in  action 188-191 

Ceremonies    192-193 

Jams 194-226 

5 


DRILL  REGULATIONS, 
MACHINE-GUN   PLATOONS,    INFANTRY, 

1909. 


CHAPTER  I. 

ORGANIZATION. 

THE   SECTION. 

1.  The  organization  of  a  detachment  of  men  for  the  service 
of  machine  guns  begins  naturally  with  that  for  a  single  piece. 
This  is  the  unit  upon  which  the  organization  is  based,  and  it 
is  called  "  the  Section." 

2.  With  reference  to  the  service  of  the  piece,  the  section  is 
naturally  resolved  into  three  elements: 

(a)   The  gun  squad,  for  the  service  of  the  piece. 

(&)  The  ammunition  squad,  for  the  service  of  ammuni- 

tion and  water. 
(c)  The  pack  squad,  for  the  care  of  the  animals  and  for 

service  as  packers. 

To  supervise  the  operations  of  these  three  elements  a  corporal 
is  necessary.    He  is  designated  as  "  Chief  of  Section." 

3.  The  gun  squad  consists  of: 

Four  privates,  one  of  whom  acts  as  "  Pointer." 

4.  The  ammunition  squad  consists  of: 

Three  privates. 

5.  The  pack  squad  consists  of: 

Two  packers,  privates. 

7 


8  ORGANIZATION  OF   THE   SECTION. 

6.  With  reference  to  the  tactical  operations  of  the  section,  it 
is  naturally  resolved  unto  two  divisions : 

(a)  The  Combat  Division,  consisting  of  the  gun,  the  ammu- 
nition squad,  the  gun  squad,  one  packer,  two  leading  mules,  and 
an  emergency  supply  of  ammunition.  This  division  is  always 
held  in  readiness  for  instant  action. 

(6)  The  Supply  Division,  consisting  of  one  packer  and  the 
three  rear  mules  of  the  section.  This  division  is  relied  upon  to 
carry  impedimenta,  seek  a  new  supply  of  ammunition,  and  re- 
fill the  water  boxes  from  whatever  source  of  supply  may  be 
available.  It  goes  after  rations,  brings  firewood,  if  necessary, 
and  in  general  provides  all  the  necessaries  for  the  combat 
division,  to  enable  that  division  to  perform  its  proper  duties. 

Working  in  platoon,  this  gives  two  packers  and  six  mules 
with  pack  equipment  constantly  available  to  supply  all  neces- 
sities for  the  two  guns  and  for  the  men  and  animals  with  them. 

THE    PLATOON. 

7.  A  platoon  consists  of  two  complete  sections  and  the  follow- 
ing in  addition : 

One  lieutenant,  to  command  the  platoon. 

One  platoon  sergeant,  to  act  in  the  executive  capacity  of 
first  sergeant,  and  to  supervise  the  supply  of  ammuni- 
tion in  action. 

8.  The  following  is  the  organization  prescribed  for  machine- 
gun  platoons  of  the  infantry  regiments  of  the  Regular  Army  in 
time  of  peace : 

One  lieutenant. 
One  sergeant. 
Two  corporals. 
Eighteen  privates. 


>1U\J& 
CHAPTER  II. 
THE  GUN  SQUAD. 

9.  The  gun  squad  is  composed  of  four  privates,  one  of  whom 
acts  as  "  Pointer."     They  are  referred  to  as  "  gunmen." 

10.  The  object  of  the  training  of  the  gun  squad  is  twofold : 
(a)  The  gunmen  must  be  taught  their  individual  duties 

and  be  practiced  in  them  until  their  performance 
becomes  a  matter  of  second  nature  even  under  the 
stress  and  excitement  of  combat. 

(&)  The  gun  squad  must  be  trained  as  a  unit  so  that  its 
individual  members  work  together  smoothly  and 
quietly  for  the  efficient  service  of  their  gun.  All 
privates  of  the  platoon  receive  this  instruction : 
but  the  permanent  gun  squad  is  composed  of  men 
who  are  selected  for  their  special  aptitude. 

I.  DUTIES  OP  INDIVIDUALS  IN  THE  SERVICE  OF  THE  PIECE. 

DUTIES  IN  GENERAL 

1 1 .  Pointer : 

Commands  gun  squad. 

Sets  sights. 

Aims  piece. 

Packs  and  unpacks  gun. 

Shifts  trail.    , 

Fires  piece. 

Operates  roller  handle  in  unloading. 

Reduces  jams,  if  any. 
No.  1 : 

Leads  gun  mule. 

Loads  piece. 

Unloads  piece. 

Assists  in  packing  and  unpacking  gun. 

Assists  pointer  to  reduce  jams,  if  any. 
Nos.  2  and  3  : 

Pack  and  unpack  tripod. 

Serve  ammunition  and  water. 


10  DUTIES   OF   THE   GUN   SQUAD. 

DUTIES  IN  DETAIL 

Pointer. 

TO  LAY  THE  PIECE. 

12.  Firing   data   will   be   communicated   to   the   pointer   as 
follows : 

1.  Target  (that  squad  of  infantry  at  2  o'clock). 

2.  Range  (fifteen  hundred  yards). 

3.  Deflection  right  (left)  seven  (or  other  number)  points. 
If  the  target  does  not  lie  within   the  arc  of  traverse,  the 

pointer  commands :  TRAIL  RIGHT  (LEFT).  At  this  command  he 
straddles  the  trail,  grasps  the  seat  with  both  hands,  and  lifts 
the  trail  a  few  inches  from  the  ground,  and  moves  the  trail  to 
the  right  (left)  until  the  target  is  approximately  at  the  center 
of  the  arc  of  traverse,  when  he  commands  HALT,  at  which  com- 
mand he  lowers  the  trail  to  the  ground. 

The  pointer  now  takes  his  seat;  raises  his  sight  and  sets  it 
at  the  indicated  range  and  deflection;  brings  the  line  of  sight 
upon  the  lower  element  of  the  target  by  means  of  the  traversing 
and  elevating  gears;  clamps  the  piece;  calls  READY,  when  the 
piece  is  laid  and  clamped. 

TO  FIRE  THE  PIECE. 

13.  The  piece  being  loaded  and  laid,  the  instructor  informs 
the  pointer  what  kind  of  fire  it  is  desired  to  use,  and  com- 
mands commence  firing. 

While  the  instructor  is  giving  his  directions  as  to  the  kind  of 
fire,  the  pointer  grasps  the  handle  block  with  both  hands,  places 
both  thumbs  on  the  trigger,  and  at  the  command  COMMENCE 
FIRING,  presses  the  trigger  and  continues  the  kind  of  fire  di- 
rected by  the  instructor  until  the  command  CEASE  FIRING  is 
given,  when  he  releases  the  trigger  and  removes  his  hands  from 
the  handle  block. 

TO  UNLOAD. 

14.  At  the  command  UNLOAD  the  pointer  throws  the  roller 
handle  twice  forward,  allowing  it  to  fly  back  each  time  with  the 
full  force  of  the  recoil  spring. 


DUTIES  OF   THE   GUN   SQUAD.  11 

Number  1. 

WHEN    THE    TRAIL    IS    SHIFTED; 

15.  1.  Trail  right  (left),  2.  HALT.     At  the  first  command  he 
picks  up  the  ammunition  box  from  which  the  belt  is  engaged  in 
the  feed  box,  and  at  the  command  HALT  replaces  the  box  in  its 
proper  position. 

TO  LOAD   THE  PIECE. 

16.  LOAD.    He  places  an  ammunition  box  on  the  ground  on 
the  right  of  the  piece  opposite  the  feed  box,  latch  toward  the 
piece ;  opens  the  ammunition  box,  and,  standing  in  front  of  the 
box  and  facing  to  the  rear,  passes  the  belt  through  the  feed  box 
from  right  to  left,  drawing  it  to  the  left  with  the  right  hand 
until  the  first  cartridge  is  engaged  by  the  lower  feed-box  pawls. 
Still  grasping  the  belt  on  the  left  of  the  feed  box  with  the  right 
hand,  he  pulls  the  roller  handle  twice  forward  with  the  left 
hand ;  each  time  when  he  has  pulled  the  roller  handle  forward 
to  the  position  of  extreme  recoil,  he  then  pulls  the  belt  to  the 
left  as  far  as  it  will  go  and  then  releases  the  roller  handle, 
allowing  it  to  fly  back  to  place  with  the  full  force  of  the  recoil 
spring.    The  piece  is  now  loaded  for  continuous  fire. 

To  load  the  piece  so  that  it  will  fire  single  shots  only,  he 
proceeds  as  above,  except  that  he  does  not  pull  the  belt  to  the 
left  the  second  time  the  roller  handle  is  in  the  forward  position. 
To  reload  when  firing  single  shots  the  roller  handle  is  thrown 
forward  once  and  allowed  to  fly  back  to  place  with  the  full 
force  of  the  recoil  spring. 

DURING   FIRING. 

17.  The  duties  of  No.  1  during  the  firing  are: 
(a)  To  see  that  the  belt  feeds  freely. 

(&)   To  assist  the  pointer  to  reduce  jams,  if  any. 

(c)  To  immediately  reload  the  piece  in  case  of  misfire 

or  failure  of  the  mechanism  to  function  properly. 

(d)  When  a  belt  is  exhausted,  unless  he  receives  specific 

instructions  to  the  contrary,  to  pass  the  empty 
ammunition  box  to  the  left  side  of  the  piece,  receive 
a  filled  belt  and  immediately  reload  the  piece. 


12  DUTIES  OF   THE   GUN  SQUAD. 

(e)  He  observes  the  action  of  the  roller  handle  while 
the  piece  is  actually  firing,  for,  by  noting  its  action, 
he  may  in  nearly  every  case  immediately  tell  the 
cause  of  the  minor  jams  and  quickly  reduce  them. 

TO  UNLOAD. 

18.  UNLOAD.  When  the  pointer  has  thrown  the  roller  handle 
forward,  No.  1  grasps  the  belt  on  the  right  side  of  the  piece 
with  the  left  hand,  disengages  the  lower  feed-box  pawls,  and 
pulls  the  belt  through  the  feed  box  to  the  right,  folds  it  in  the 
ammunition  box  and  closes  the  box. 

Number  2. 

19.  The  duties  of  No.  2  are: 

(a)  When  the  trail  is  shifted :  To  see  that  the  tool  box  is 
within  reach  of  the  pointer's  left  hand. 

(Z>)  At  preliminary  commands  for  firing:  To  see  that  the 
wing  nuts  are  screwed  fast. 

(c)  During  firing :  To  receive  the  belt  as  it  is  fed  through 

the  gun,  and  when  it  is  exhausted  to  fold  it  and 
place  it  in  its  box,  passing  the  box  to  such  member 
of  the  ammunition  squad  as  comes  to  receive  it,  or 
to  No.  3. 

(d)  When  the  pointer  directs  No.  2  to  fill  water  jacket  or 

at  other  times  when  necessary.  No.  2  fills  the 
filling  cup  with  water,  removes  the  cap  from  the 
filling  valve  (and  condenser  tube,  if  used,  from 
steam  escape),  places  the  nozzle  of  cup  in  filling 
valve,  handle  of  cup  to  the  right,  cup  canted 
slightly  to  the  right,  empties  contents  of  cup 
into  water  jacket,  and  repeats  the  operation 
until  the  jacket  is  full.  Water  can  not  be  intro- 
duced  into  the  jacket  when  there  has  been  sufficient 
firing  to  make  an  appreciable  pressure  of  steam, 
although  it  is  not  essential,  per  se,  that  firing  be 
suspended  while  the  jacket  is  being  filled.  The 
jacket  being  filled,  No.  2  replaces  cap  on  filling 
valve  (and  condenser  tube,  if  used,  in  steam 
escape). 


PLATE  i. 


No.2 

Pointer 

No.  3 

No.l 

GUN  SQUAD  WITHOUT  PACKS.     PAR.  21. 


DUTIES  OF  THE  GUN  SQUAD.  13 

(e)  When  piece  is  being  unloaded:  To  see  that  the  free 
end  of  the  belt  does  not  become  entangled  or 
twisted  before  passing  through  the  feed  box. 

(/)  When  the  ammunition  squad  or  gun  squad  becomes 
reduced :  To  supply  No.  1  with  ammunition  and  to 
procure  for  himself  an  ample  supply  of  water  to 
cool  the  barrel. 

(g)  To  assist  in  moving  the  piece  by  hand. 

Number  3. 

20.  The  duties  of  No.  3  are: 

(a)  When  trail  is  shifted:  To  replace  ammunition  within 
reach  of  No.  1,  and  water  and  filling  cup  within 
reach  of  No.  2. 

(&)  At  preliminary  commands  for  firing:  To  procure  a 
full  box  of  ^ammunition,  open  it,  and  hand  it  to 
No.  1. 

(c)  During  firing:  To  see  that  Nos.  1  and  2  have  an  un- 
interrupted supply  of  ammunition  and  water,  No.  3 
going  to  procure  this  supply  himself  should  the 
ammunition  squad  be  unable,  from  any  cause,  to 
keep  the  gun  properly  supplied. 

(cZ)  To  assist  in  moving  the  piece  by  hand.  .02 

II.    THE  GUN  SQUAD  AS  A  UNIT. 

2 1.  The  gun  squad  is  formed  in  double  rank  in  the  following 
order  from  right  to  left;  the  pointer  on  the  right  of  the  front 
rank,  covered  by  No.  1 ;  No.  2  on  the  left  of  the  pointer,  covered 
by  No.  3.     (Plate  I.) 

22.  In  the  preliminary  instruction  of  recruits,  or  when  the 
men  are  not  assigned  to  permanent  positions,  the  instructor  may 
cause  the  gun  squad  to  CALL  OFF.    The  pointer  calls  off  Pointer, 
his  rear  rank  man  One,  the  man  on  the  left  of  the  pointer  Two, 
etc. 

23.  The  posts  of  the  gun  squad  with  the  piece  in  pack  are  as 
follows : 

Pointer :  On  the  near  side  of  the  gun  mule  opposite  and  in 
reach  of  the  handle  block,  facing  to  the  front. 

No.  1 :  On  the  near  side  of  the  gun  mule  opposite  its  head ; 
leads  gun  mule. 


14  DUTIES  OF   THE   GUN  SQUAD. 

No.  2 :  On  off  side  of  gun  mule  opposite  and  within  reach 

of  the  front  lashing  of  the  tripod. 
No.  3 :  On  off  side  of  gun  mule  opposite  and  within  reach 

of  the  rear  lashing  of  the  tripod.     (Plate  II.) 

24.  The  posts  of  the  gun  squad  with  the  piece  unpacked  are  as 
follows : 

Pointer :    Seated  on  trail  seat,  facing  to  the  front. 

No.  1 :  Kneeling  on  right  side  of  piece,  slightly  forward  of 

feed  box,  within  reach  of  and  facing  it. 
No.  2 :  Kneeling  on  left  side  of  piece,  opposite  feed  box, 

within  reach  of  and  facing  it. 
No.  3 :  Kneeling  about  20  inches  to  the  right  and  abreast 

of  the  pointer,  facing  to  the  front.     (Plate  III.) 
In  seeking  cover,  the  gun  squad  may  take  their  posts  prone. 

25.  On  occasions  of  ceremony,  the  members  of  the  gun  squad 
take  posts  as  prescribed  in  the  preceding  paragraph,  except  that 
all  stand  at  their  posts  in  the  position  of  the  soldier,  the  pointer 
standing  directly  in  rear  of  the  trail. 

MOVEMENT  OF   THE  PIECE  BY  HAND. 
Short  Distances. 

26.  The  instructor  commands  1.  Forward  (to  the  rear;  by  the 
right  flank;  by  the  left  flank),  2.  MARCH.    At  the  preliminary  com- 
mand the  pointer  rises,  collects  the  tool  box  and  intrenching 
tools,  and  stands  ready  to  carry  them.     (He  throws  the  roller 
handle  forward  twice  if  the  piece  is  loaded).     No.  2  springs  to 
the  muzzle,  and,  facing  the  piece,  places  both  hands  under  the 
water  jacket  near  the  muzzle  and  commands  LIFT.    At  this  com- 
mand he  raises  the  water  jacket,  and,  facing  to  the  front,  places 
it  on  his  shoulder.    He  then  grasps  the  legs  with  his  hands  to 
steady  the  piece.    No.  3  springs  to  the  trail,  grasps  the  seat  with 
both  hands,  and  when  No.  2  calls  LIFT,  lifts  the  piece  from  the 
ground. 

No.  1  picks  up  the  ammunition  boxes  and  filling  cup  (allowing 
end  of  belt  to  remain  in  feed  box),  and  stands  ready  to  carry 
them. 

At  the  command  MARCH  No.  2  steps  off  in  the  indicated  di- 
rection, No.  3  follows  in  his  trace,  and  the  pointer  and  No.  1 
maintain  their  relative  positions.  (See  Plate  No.  IV.) 


PLATE  II. 


Gun 
mule 


GUN  SQUAD  WITH  PIECE  IN  PACK.     PAR.  23. 


PLATE  IV. 


MOVING   PIECE   BY  HAND  SHORT  DISTANCES.      PAR    26. 


DUTIES  OF  THE  GUN  SQUAD.  15 

To  Halt  the  Squad. 

27.  1.  Squad,  2.  HALT.    All   halt,   lower   their   loads   to   the 
ground,  and  then  move  quickly  to  their  posts. 

To  Change  Direct  ion  when  Moving  by  Hand. 

28.  1.  Column  Right  (Left,  Half  Right,  Half  Left),  2.  MARCH. 

No.  2  moves  in  the  indicated  direction  on  the  arc  of  a  circle 
of  about  2  yards  radius,  the  other  members  of  the  squad  main- 
taining their  relative  positions. 

To  March  to  the  Rear  when  Moving  by  Hand. 

29.  1.  To  the  Rear,  2.  MARCH.    No.  2  moves  to  the  left  about, 
marching  on  the  arc  of  a  circle  of  about  2  yards  radius,  the 
other  members  of  the  squad  conform  to  his  movements. 

30.  If  these  movements  are  often  repeated  during  a  drill 
period  No.  2  should  be  frequently  relieved,  as  his  duties  are 
much  more  fatiguing  than  those  of  the  other  members  of  the  gun 
squad. 

Longer  Distances. 

31.  The  instructor  commands  1.  By  parts,  2.  Forward  (to  the 
rear),  or  2.  Forward,  Column  Right  (Left,  Half  Right,  Half  Left), 
3.  MARCH. 

The  gun  is  dismounted  from  the  tripod  as  prescribed  in  para- 
graph 37.  At  the  preliminary  command  (if  in  pack,  it  is  un- 
packed at  the  preliminary  command),  and  the  equipment  is 
then  carried  by  the  squad  in  column,  as  follows: 

(a)  No.  2  at  the  head  of  the  column  carrying  the  tripod. 
This  is  easiest  carried  by  allowing  the  legs  to  remain 
in  place,  with  the  wing  nuts  screwed  fast,  the  trail 
extending  down  the  back,  one  leg  supported  on  each 
shoulder,  the  hands  grasping  the  legs  near  their  ends. 
(&)  No.  1  follows  No.  2,  carrying  the  gun  on  his  shoulder. 

(c)  No.  3  follows  No.  1,  carrying  two  or  more  boxes  of 
ammunition. 

(d)  The  pointer  follows  No.  3,  carrying  the  tool  box  and 
intrenching  tools. 


16  DUTIES   OF   THE   GUN   SQUAD. 

In  this  formation  the  squad  is  marched  as  a  squad  of  infantry 
in  column  of  files.  At  the  command  Halt  all  loads  are  lowered 
to  the  ground. 

The  pointer  and  No.  1,  and  also  Nos.  2  and  3,  should  frequently 
exchange  loads. 

32.  To  bring  the  piece  into  action  in  any  direction  ACTION 
FRONT  (RIGHT;  LEFT;  REAR).    The  gun  is  mounted  on  the  tripod 
as  prescribed  in  paragraph  34,  and  all  move  quickly  to  their 
posts. 

To  Form   for  Action,  the  Piece  being  in  Pack. 

33.  The  instructor  commands  FORM  FOR  ACTION. 

The  pointer  releases  the  lashings  of  the  gun  and  then  springs 
opposite  the  breech,  removes  the  elevating  pin,  grasps  the  handle 
block  with  both  hands,  and  stands  ready  to  lift. 

No.  1  puts  the  blind  on  the  gun  mule,  secures  it,  drops  the 
leading  rein  to  the  ground,  springs  to  the  muzzle  of  the  piece, 
grasps  it  with  both  hands,  and  stands  ready  to  lift. 

No.  2  releases  the  lashings  of  the  tripod,  springs  to  the  front, 
grasps  the  top  carriage  with  both  hands,  and  stands  ready  to 
lift. 

No.  3  releases  the  lashings  of  the  top  load,  springs  to  the  rear, 
grasps  the  trail  and  legs  of  the  tripod  with  both  hands,  and 
stands  ready  to  lift. 

To  Unpack  and  Prepare  for  Action. 

34.  At  the  command  ACTION  FRONT,  the  piece  being  in  pack, 
the  gunmen  first  perform  the  duties  prescribed  in  paragraph 
33.  and  the  pointer  and  No.  1  then  lift  the  gun  from  the  hang- 
ers; Nos.  2  and  3  carry  the  tripod  to  the  right  and  front,  and 
when  No.  3  arrives  at  his  proper  position  he  drops  the  trail  to 
the  ground ;  No.  2,  supporting  the  tripod,  raises  his  end  until  the 
tripod  stands  on  the  end  of  the  trail  in  a  vertical  position.     No. 
2  now  releases  his  hold,  grasps  the  legs  near  their  lower  ends, 
one  in  each  hand,  raises  them  to  the  firing  position,  shoves  the 
studs  well  home  and  allows  the  tripod  to  fall  to  the  front.     As 
the  tripod  falls,  No.  2  springs  to  the  left  of  the  tripod,  and 
crouching  opposite  the  carriage,   withdraws  the   trunnion  pin, 
inserting  it  again  and  screwing  it  home  when  the  pointer  and 
No.  1  have  placed  the  gun  in  the  carriage ;  he  then  tightens  the 
wing  nuts  and  takes  his  post.     While  Nos.  2  and  3  are  setting 


DUTIES  OF  THE  GUN  SQUAD.  17 

up  the  tripod,  the  Pointer  and  No.  1  carry  the  gun  in  rear  of 
the  gun  mule,  and,  when  the  tripod  falls  to  the  firing  position, 
they  raise  the  gun  over  No.  2's  head  and  place  it  in  the  car- 
riage. When  No.  2  has  inserted  the  trunnion  pin,  No.  1  re- 
leases his  hold  on  the  muzzle  and  hastens  to  his  post.  The 
pointer  straddles  the  trail,  and,  supporting  the  handle  block  in 
the  pit  of  his  stomach,  he  has  both  hands  free  to  guide  the  head 
of  the  inner  elevating  screw  to  its  place,  and  to  insert  the  ele- 
vating pin.  Having  done  this,  he  takes  his  seat  and  raises  his 
sight.  As  soon  as  No.  3  has  dropped  the  trail  of  the  tripod  to 
the  ground,  he  hastens  to  the  gun  mule  and  removes  the  top 
load,  first  handing  an  open  ammunition  box  to  No.  1  (who  in- 
serts the  belt  in  the  feed  box  and  draws  it  through  until  the 
first  cartridge  engages  the  pawls  as  prescribed  in  paragraph  16 
"To  Load").  No.  3  then  places  the  second  ammunition  box 
by  the  side  of  and  just  in  the  rear  of  the  first,  places  the  tool 
box  within  easy  reach  of  the  pointer's  left  hand,  and  then  takes 
his  post. 

35.  The  position  of  the  piece  when  assembled  for  action  is 
established  by  No.  3,  who,  in  setting  up  the  tripod,  places  the 
end  of  the  trail  on  the  ground  at  a  point  2  yards  to  the  right  of 
the  gun  mule's  head,  or  at  such  point  as  may  be  directed. 

To  Fire  to  the  Rear  (Right  or  Left). 

36.  The  command  ACTION  REAR  (RIGHT  OR  LEFT)  is  given. 
This   is  executed  like  Action  Front,  except  that  the  tripod  is 
placed  so  that  the  gun  will  point  in  the  proper  direction. 

To  Resume  the  Order  for  Marching  in  Pack. 

37.  1.  Prepare  to  Pack,  2.  PACK. 
At  the  first  command : 

The  Pointer  lays  down  his  sight,  turns  elevating  clamp 
down,  rises,  and,  supporting  the  handle  block  against 
the  pit  of  his  stomach,  disconnects  the  elevating  gear, 
replaces  the  elevating  pin,  and  then,  grasping  the 
handle  block  with  both  hands,  stands  ready  to  lift.  He 
first  throws  the  roller  handle  twice  forward  if  the  piece 
is  loaded. 

No.  1  unloads  the  piece   (see  paragraph  18)   if  this  has 
not  been  done,  then  springs  to  the  muzzle,  and  grasping 
it  with  both  hands,  stands  ready  to  lift. 
7230—10 2 


18  DUTIES   OP   THE   GUN   SQUAD. 

No.  2  assists  No.  1  to  unload  (see  paragraph  10),  un- 
screws trunnion  pin  but  does  not  withdraw  it,  un- 
screws wing  nuts,  and  then  grasps  trunnion  pin  with 
right  hand,  crouching  on  the  left  of  the  carriage. 

No.  o  gathers  together  the  top  load,  places  it  about  one 
yard  to  the  right  of  the  trail  seat,  and  then  takes  post 
on  the  right  of  the  carriage  about  one  foot  from  it  and 
facing  to  the  front. 

The  Packer  brings  the  mules  to  the  immediate  vicinity 
of  the  gun   at   a   rapid   gait,   and   holds  or   herds   the 
mules  until  the  gun  squad  has  finished  the  packing  and 
is  ready  to  move  off. 
At  the  second  command— 

The  pointer  as  so;;n  as  tl  ^  trnr.nion  pin  has  been  with- 
drawn by  No.  2,  lifts  the  gun  from  the  carriage  and 
places  it  on  the  hanger,  in  which  he  is  assisted  by  No.  1. 
He  then  lashes  the  gun  to  the  hanger  and  takes  his 
post. 

No.  1  assists  the  pointer  to  place  the  gun  in  the  hanger, 
removes  the  blind  from  the  gun  mule,  grasps  the  lead- 
ing rein,  and  takes  his  post. 

No.  2  withdraws  the  trunnion  pin,  and,  as  soon  as 
the  pointer  and  No.  1  have  removed  the  gun,  immedi- 
ately replaces  said  pin  and  gives  a  turn  or  two  to 
secure  it.  He  then  springs  in  front  of  the  tripod,  and. 
grasping  the  legs  near  their  ends,  one  in  each  hand, 
raises  the  tripod  on  its  trail  to  a  vertical  position,  and 
allows  the  legs  to  fall ;  grasps  the  top  carriage  with 
both  liiuuls,  places  the  tripod  in  the  hanger  with  the 
assistance  of  No.  3,  and  then  secures  its  lashings,  tak- 
ing his  post  as  soon  as  this  is  completed. 
.  No.  3,  when  No.  2  grasps  the  carriage,  grasps  the  tripod 
near  the  ground,  his  right  arm  passing  under 'and  sup- 
porting the  legs,  his  left  hand  .holding  the  trail  seat. 
He  now  assists  No.  2  to  place  the  tripod  in  the  hanger, 
then  puts  the  top  load  in  place,  lashes  it,  and  fakes  his 
post. 


DUTIES   OE   THE   GUN   SQUAD.  19 

III.    THE  SERVICE  OF  THE  PIECE. 

GENERAL  PROVISIONS. 

38.  In  firing  instruction,  a  target  is  always  designated,  the 
firing  data  announced,  and  the  operation  of  setting  sights,  load- 
ing, pointing,  and  firing  the  piece  are  habitually  performed  just 
as  in  actual  firing. 

39.  The  instructor  should  use  every  means  at  his  disposal, 
such  as  dummy  cartridges,  miniature  targets,  stationary  and 
moving,  etc.,  to  simulate  service  conditions,  and  where  ammu- 
nition is  available,  the  instruction  should  be  held  frequently  on 
the  range  with  ball  cartridges. 

Laying  the  Piece. 

40.  The  instructor  may  command,  for  example: 

1.  "  Target,  such  an  object  at  such  o'clock." 

2.  "  Range,  so  many  yards." 

3.  ''Deflection  right    (left),  so  many  points." 

The  piece  will  be  unpacked  at  the  first  command,  if  not  already 
so,  the  pointer  commanding  ACTION  FRONT  (RIGHT;  LEFT; 
REAR),  depending  on  the  direction  of  the  target  (paragraphs 
84  and  36). 

The  gunmen  then  proceed  to  the  performance  of  their  duties 
as  prescribed  in  paragraphs  13,  15,  19,  20. 

To  Fire  the  Piece. 

41.  The  piece  being  loaded  and  laid,  the  instructor  informs 
the  Pointer  what  kind  of  fire  to  use,  adds  such  further  instruc- 
tions as  he  may  deem  necessary,  as  Fire  about  20 — or  so  many — 
rounds,  and  watch  for  dust,  or  Fire  single  shots  for  range,  and  adds 
COMMENCE  FIRING. 

42.  The  Pointer  fires  the  number  of  rounds  directed,  and  if  he 
can  see  where  his  shot  group  was  placed,  corrects  his  sight  and 
aim  as  prescribed  in  paragraph  17,  "  Machine-Gun  Firing  Regu- 
lations," and  then  continues  the  kind  of  fire  directed  by  the 
instructor. 

43.  When   he  is   unable  to   locate  the   point  of  strike,   the 
pointer,  after  firing  his  first  shot  or  string  of  shots,  will  call 


20  DUTIES   OF   THE   GUN   SQUAD. 

"  no  dust,"  and  will  suspend  his  fire  until  the  instructor  either 
gives  him  corrected  firing  data  or  commands  FIRE,  when  he 
makes  the  necessary  corrections  and  continues  the  fire. 

Corrections  of  Firing  Data. 

44.  After  any  string  of  shots  the  pointer  verifies  his  aim  and 
calls  Ready. 

If  the  shot  group  was  properly  placed,  the  observer  then 
directs  the  pointer  to  FIRE. 

If  the  shot  group  was  off  the  target,  the  observer  gives  the 
pointer  corrected  firing  data : 

(a)   By  announcing  a  new  range  and  deflection  as — 

1.  Range,  so  many  yards. 

2.  Deflection  right  (left)  so  many  points. 

(&)   By  directing  the  pointer  to  move  his  sight  a  certain 
amount,  as — 

1.  Take  50  yards  more  elevation. 

2.  Take  4  more  points  right. 

In  either  case  the  pointer  corrects  his  sight  as  indicated,  brings 
his  aim  back  onto  the  target,  calls  Ready,  and  fires  the  next  string 
of  shots  when  directed  to  FIRE  by  the  observer. 

To  Change   Target. 

45.  The  instructor  commands,  for  example — 

1.  Change  target. 

2.  Door  of  that  white  house,  at  such  o'clock. 

3.  Range,  so  many  yards. 

4.  Deflection  right   (left)    so  many  points. 

At  the  second  command  the  pointer  shifts  the  trail  to  give 
the  piece  the  general  direction,  and  then  lays  his  piece  on  the 
new  target  by  the  methods  prescribed. 

To  Discontinue  and  to  Resume  the  Fire. 

46.  To  discontinue  the  fire  at  any  time,  CEASE  FIRING.    The 
pointer  releases  the  trigger  and  removes  his  hands  from  the 
handle   block. 

To  resume  the  fire,  COMMENCE  FIRING.  Executed  as  pre- 
scribed in  paragraph  41. 


DUTIES   OF   THE   GUN   SQUAD.  21 

Special  Methods   of  Fire. 

47.  The    methods    employed    in    machine-gun    fire    may    be 
classified  as  follows : 

(a)  Ranging  fire    (slow  or  intermittent). 

(&)  Fire  for  effect  (intermittent  or  rapid). 
Fire  for  effect  may  be  further  subdivided  into — 

(a)  Fixed   fire | 

(&)  Traversed  fire 

(c)  Zone  fire [-Intermittent. 

(d)  Tra versed-zone   fire ^ 

(e)  Fire  at  moving  targets J 

(/)   Sweeping  fire Continuous  or  rapid. 

48.  Ranging  fire. — Even  if  telemeters  enabled   ranges  to  be 
found  with  perfect  accuracy,  there  would  always  be  changes 
each  day,  due  to  light,  wind,  and  atmospheric  conditions.    These 
would  necessitate  slight  modifications  in  sight  setting  for  any 
given  range.     When  these  modifications  are  multiplied  by  the 
inaccuracy  of  the  telemeter,  it  is  not  surprising  to  find  that  to 
place  the  shot  group  in  the  target  at  the  first  shot  is  the  ex- 
ception rather  than  the  rule.     It  is  to  correct  the  sights  quickly 
for  weather  conditions  and  inaccuracy  of  estimates  or  telem- 
eters that  ranging  fire  is  used. 

49.  The  piece  being  loaded  and  laid  the  instructor  commands 
1.  Single  (or  so  many)  shots  for  range,  2.  COMMENCE  FIRING. 

The  pointer  fires  the  first  shot  or  string  of  shots  as  directed, 
attempts  to  locate  the  shot  group,  and,  if  able  to  do  so,  corrects 
his  sight  as  prescribed  in  the  "  Machine-Gun  Firing  Regu- 
lations." 

50.  The  Pointer  calls  Ready  when  the  piece  has  been  reluid 
upon  the  target ;  and,  when  the  instructor  directs  him  to  FIRE, 
fires  a  second  shot  or  string  of  shots. 

If  further  corrections  are  found  to  be  necessary,  similar 
means  are  employed  and  the  process  repeated  until  the  shot 
group  is  properly  placed. 

5 1.  Should  the  pointer  be  unable  to  locate  the  shot  group  on 
the  first  or  second  shot  or  string,  he  will  not  change  his  sights, 
but  will  aim  either  over  or  under  the  target,  and,  by  means  of 
the  elevating  gear,  gradually  increase  or  decrease  the  elevation 
for  each  shot  or  string  until  he  can  see  the  point  of  strike.     He 
then  corrects  his  sight  as  before  and  lays  his  piece  upon  the 
target. 


22  DUTIES   OF  THE  GUN  SQUAD. 

52.  Should  the  pointer  still  bo  unable  to  "find"  his  target, 
he  may  fire  at  some  other  point  in  the  vicinity  where  the  condi- 
tions are  apparently   more   favorable  for   "getting  dust,"   and 
when  the  shot  group  is  located,  correct  as  before. 

53.  In  action,  the  movements  of  the  enemy  will  often  be  the 
surest   indication    of   the  point   of   strike.      When    practicable, 
ranging  fire  should  be  conducted  with  single  shots,  as  the  identity 
of  the  machine  gun  is  thus  concealed  until  fire  for  effect  can  be 
opened  with  accuracy. 

54.  Fire  for  effect. — In  all   fire  for  effect,   the  correct  sight 
setting   is   presumed   toHhave   been    previously    determined   by 
ranging  or  otherwise,  and  the  piece  presumed  to  be  loaded  and 
laid  on  the  target. 

55.  Fixed   fire    (small   target). — The    instructor   informs   the 
pointer  how   many   shots  to   (ire  per   string  and   commands  1. 
Fixed  fire,  2.  COMMENCE  FIRING. 

The  pointer  fires  as  directed,  keeping  his  aim  on  the  target 
or  on  the  element  of  the  target  directed  by  the  instructor.  The 
pointer  verifies  his  aim  after  each  string  and  calls  Ready.  The 
instructor  then  gives  such  directions  as  may  be  necessary  to 
correct  the  sights  or  aim,  and  commands  FIRE.  The  pointer 
fires  the  next  string  and  proceeds  as  before. 

56.  Traversed  fire  (wide,  shallow  target). — The  instructor  in- 
forms the  pointer  how  many  shots  to  fire  per  string,  tells  him 
which  ilank  of  the  line  to  attack  first,  and  commands  1.  Traversed 
fire,  2.  COMMENCE  FIRING. 

The  pointer  executes  this  fire  as  prescribed  for  "  Fixed  Fire," 
except  that  the  strings  are  directed  at  each  element  of  the  line 
successively  from  right  to  left  or  vice  versa. 

57.  Zone  fire  (narrow,  deep  target). — The  instructor  informs 
the  pointer  how  many  shots  to  fire  per  string  and  commands 
1.  Zone  fire,  2.  Elevate  (depress)  fifty  (or  so  many)  yards,  3.  COM- 
MENCE FIRING.    The  pointer  executes  this  fire  as  prescribed  for 
"  Fixed  Fire,"  except  that  he  changes  the  elevation   for  each 
string  by  the  amount  and  in  the  direction  indicated  in  the  com- 
mand, the  aim  being  always  kept  on  the  same  element  of  the 
target. 

58.  Traversed-zone  fire    (wide,  deep  target). — The  instructor 
informs  the  pointer  how  many  shots  to  fire  per  string  and  com- 
mands  1.    Traversed-zone   fire,   2.   Elevate   (depress)   fifty   (or   so 
many)  yards,  3.  COMMENCE  FIRING. 


DUTIES   OF  THE   GUN  SQUAD.  23 

Executed  like  "  Traversed  fire,"  except  that  each  time  the 
pointer  traverses  across  the  target  he  increases  or  decreases 
nis  elevation  by  the  amount  indicated  in  the  command. 

59.  Sweeping  fire. — The  instructor  commands  1.  Sweeping  Fire, 
2.  COMMENCE  FIRING. 

Ill  this  fire  the  pointer  fires  continuously,  pausing  only  to 
correct  sights  or  aim. 

The  traversing  gear  is  undamped  and  the  piece  swung  slowly 
from  side  to  side,  thus  covering  a  given  area  with  a  continuous 
stream  of  bullets. 

GO.  Fire  at  moving  targets.— In  this  class  of  fire  the  best  re- 
sults will  usually  be  obtained  by  aiming  a  few  yards  in  front  of 
the  target  and  commencing  to  fire  just  before  the  leading  ele- 
ment of  the  target  crosses  the  line  of  sight,  continuing  the  fire 
until  the  rear  element  has  also  crossed  said  line  of  sight.  The 
pointer  then  suspends  the  fire,  again  aims  in  front  of  the  target 
and  fires  as  before,  repeating  the  operation  as  long  as  the  target 
remains  in  sight. 

Should  the  target  travel  beyond  the  arc  of  traverse,  the 
pointer  traverses  the  gun  to  its  limit  in  the  opposite  direction, 
commands  TRAIL  RIGHT  (LEFT),  brings  the  line  of  sight  again 
ahead  of  the  target,  and  proceeds  as  before. 

61.  Night  firing. — Fixed  fire,  traversed  fire,  zone  fire,  tra versed- 
zone  fire,  and  sweeping-fire  may  be  used  at  night,  omitting  the 
readjustment  of  the  sights  after  each  string.     When  practicable 
the  piece  should  be  laid  in  daylight  on  some  known  element  of 
the  target  or  the  ground  to  be  covered,  and  the  pointer  will 
endeavor  to  keep  in  mind  the  amount  of  change  made  in  azimuth 
and  elevation,  so  that  the  piece  can  be  returned  to  approxi- 
mately the  original  aiming  point  as  a  point  of  departure. 

The  sights  may  be  illuminated  by  small  electric-light  bulbs, 
if  practicable.  Night  firing  is  used  principally  to  cover  a  par- 
ticular point,  as  a  path,  road,  defile,  or  battery,  or  to  cover  the 
ground  in  front  of  the  gun  within  point-blank  range  by  sweeping 
fire.  In  this  case  the  piece  should  be  laid  nearly  parallel  to 
the  surface  of  the  ground,  the  elevation  clamped,  and  the 
traverse  cast  loose.  This  method  of  fire  is  of  particular  value 
oti  outposts  liable  to  attack  or  surprise. 

Supernumeraries. 

62.  Supernumeraries  will  not  be  used  with  the  gun  squad 
while  the  gun  is  in  action,  as  they  only  increase  the  size  of  the 


24 


DUTIES  OF   THE   GUN  SQUAD. 


target  which  the  gun  squad  presents  to  the  enemy,  and  their 
presence  gives  no  beneficial  results  to  offset  this  objection.  If 
available,  however,  a  member  of  the  ammunition  squad  may  be 
detailed  to  lead  the  gun  mule. 


63. 


Service  of  the  Piece  with  Reduced  Numbers. 


Gunmen  retained. 

Duties  of— 

Remarks. 

Pointer. 

1. 

2. 

Pointer,  Nos.  1  and  2 

Pointer  and  No.  1... 
Pointer 

Pointer  . 
...do  

1 

2  and  3 

Pointer  packs  and  unpacks  gun 
without  assistance,  and  No.  1 
performs  the  duties  of  No.  2  in 
packing  and  unpacking  tripod 
only. 
Pointer  packs  and  unpacks  gun 
without  assistance. 
Pointer  performs  the  duties  of 
the  whole  squad.    Applicable 
to  defensive  use  in  gun  pit. 

1,2,  and  3 

CHAPTER  III. 
THE  AMMUNITION  SQUAD. 

64.  The  ammunition  squad  is  composed  of  three  privates. 
They  are  designated  as  ammunition  men. 

65.  The  object  of  the  training  of  the  ammunition  squad  is  to 
so  familiarize  the  men  with  their  specific  duties  that  they  will 
perform  them  quickly,  accurately,  and  without  confusion. 

66.  To  this  end  they  will  be  carefully  instructed  in  all  that 
pertains  to  the  supply  of  ammunition  for  the  gun,  in  the  nomen- 
clature, care,  and  operation  of  the  belt-filling  machine,  and  in 
the  distribution  of  loads. 

67.  All  members  of  the  platoon  will  receive  instruction  in  the 
duties  of  the  ammunition  squad,  but  the  men  who  are  perma- 
nently assigned  to  this  duty  will  receive  the  benefit  of  careful 
and  painstaking  individual  instruction,  and  will  be  impressed 
with  the  idea  that  the  gun  becomes  useless  unless  their  duties 
are  carefully  and  faithfully  performed. 

FORMATION  OF  THE  AMMUNITION  SQUAD,  WITHOUT  PACK. 

68.  The  Ammunition  Squad  is  posted  on  the  left  of  the  gun 
squad,  without  interval,  as  follows: 

No.  4  in  the  front  rank  on  the  left  of  No.  2. 

No.  5  in  the  rear  rank  covering  No.  4. 

No.  6  in  the  front  rank  on  the  left  of  No.  4. 

DUTIES  IN  GENERAL. 

69.  No.  4: 

O)    Supplies  No.  3  with  ammunition  and  water. 

(6)   Carries    empty    ammunition    and    water    boxes    and 

hangers  back  to  the  ammunition  station, 
(c)  Assists  in  loading  and  unloading  ammunition  mules. 
No.  5: 

(a)   Leads  fourth  mule. 
(~b)  Assists  in  supplying  ammunition  and  water  to  the 

gun. 

25 


26  DUTIES  OF  THE  AMMUNITION  SQUAD. 

(c)  Prepares    ammunition    and    keeps    hopper    supplied 

during  the  operation  of  the  belt-filling  machine. 

(d)  Fills  ammunition  boxes  with  loaded  belts. 

(e)  Equalizes  loads  in  hangers. 

(/)  Assists  iii  loading  and  unloading  mules. 
No. 

(w)   Leads  fifth  mule. 

(&)   -•  '  >    supplying  ammunition  and  water  to  the 

gun. 

(c)  Sets    up    belt-filling    machine    and    operates    crank 

handle. 

(d)  Packs  belt-filling  machine. 

(e)  Loads  and  unloads  belt-tilling  machine. 
(/)   Assists  in  loading  and  unloading  mules. 


Posts  of  the  Ammunition  Squad,  Section  with  Packs. 

70.  Xo.  4:  Off  side  of  third  mule,  within  arms  reach  of  and 

opposite  its  pack. 
Xo.  5:  Xenr  side  of  fourth  mule,  opposite  its  head. 

Xo.  (I:  Xear  side  of  lii'ih  i»:ii!»»,  opposite  its  head. 

To  Set  Up  the  Beit  Filler. 

71.  Xo.  G  removes  the  belt  filler  from  the  fifth  mule  and 
then,  with  the  assistance  of  Xo.  5,  sets  it  up,  as  follows : 

Xo.  G  opens  the  box  and  removes  the  hopper,  file  and  spanner; 
then  the  bracket,  attaching  it  to  one  end  of  an  empty  (original) 
ammunition  box.  He  now  removes  the  body  and  adjusts  it  to 
the  bracket  so  that  the  spring  catch  in  the  former  enters  its 
notch  in  the  latter ;  slips  the  handle  on  the  crank  and  inserts  the 
split  pin;  turns  the  handle  until  it  is  horizontal,  pointing  to 
the  left;  and,  holding  it  in  that  position,  inserts  the  lug  of  the 
hopper  in  its  seat,  the  grooves  facing  the  machine,  and  presses 
it  down  until  entirely  seated.  He  now  brings  the  handle  to  a 
vertical  position  and  swings  the  belt  cover  to  the  left,  uncovering 
thr  belt  passage.  Xo.  5  procures  and  prepares  an  empty  belt; 
-<-s  the  brass  end  through  the  passage,  brass  strips  pointing  to 
the  left.  Xo.  G,  facing  the  hopper,  grasps  the  belt  near  the  end, 
pulls  it  through  with  his  left  hand  until  the  first  cartridge  loop 
•<:>posite  the  plunger;  closes  belt  cover;  grasps  the  crank 
handle  with  the  right  hand,  holding  the  belt  with  the  left ;  turns 


DUTIES   OF  THE  AMMUNITION  SQUAD.  27 

the  crank  to  the  right,  clockwise,  watching  to  see  that  the 
plunger  enters  the  first  belt  loop.  No.  5,  sitting  astride  the  am- 
munition box  and  facing  the  machine,  supplies  the  hopper  with 
cartridges  by  stripping  from  the  clips  directly  into  the  hopper, 
and  sees  that  they  feed  properly. 

72.  A  belt  having  been  filled,  No.  5  will  load  it  carefully  into 
an  empty  box,  bullets  pointing  in  the  direction  indicated  by  the 
painted  'figure  in  the  bottom  of  the  box.     No.  6  now  prepares 
and  inserts  a  new  belt  while  No.  5  is  packing  the  loaded  one. 
As  soon  as  No.  5  has  finished  packing  the  loaded  belt,  he  returns 
to  his  position  at  the  hopper. 

73.  To  assure  accurate  and  proper  filling  of  the  bejt,  No.  (> 
may  insert  about  1  inch  of  the  end  of  the  screw-driver  between 
the  head  of  the  cartridge  and  the  supporting  shoulder,  where  the 
belt  leaves  the  body. 

To  Form   for  fiction. 

74.  The  section  being  in  pack  FORM  FOR  ACTION. 

At  this  command — 

No.  4  springs  to  the  third  mule  and  releases  the  lashings 
which  bind  the  ammunition  hangers  to  the  saddle,  and 
then  stands  ready  to  remove  the  off.  hanger. 

No.  5  links  his  mule  to  the  third  mule,  and  then  stands 
ready  to  remove  the  third  mule's  near  hanger. 

No.  6  links  his  mule  to  the  fourth  mule. 

To  Unpack  and  Prepare  for  Action. 

75.  Being  formed  for  action,  the  command  is  given  ACTION 
FRONT  (RIGHT,  LEFT,  REAR).    At  this  command  Nos.  4  and  5 
remove  the  ammunition  hangers  of  the  third  mule,  and  place 
them  on  the  ground,  hangers  to  the  front.     As  soon  as  the  third 
mule's  load  of  ammunition  is  removed,  the  on?  packer  leads  his 
mules  to  the  rear  at  a  trot  to  the  point  selected  by  the  platoon 
sergeant  for  the  ammunition  station.     The  ammunition  squad 
also  hastens  to  the  ammunition  station,  removes  the  loads  of 
ammunition,  sets  up  the  belt  tiller,  and  prepares  such  shelter  as 
may  be  necessary. 

No.  4  keeps  up  a  continuous  supply  of  ammunition  and  water 
to  the  gun.  In  this  duty  he  is  assisted  by  No.  3  and  also  by 
Nos.  5  and  G  when  they  are  not  engaged  in  filling  belts. 


28  DUTIES   OF   THE   AMMUNITION   SQUAD. 

Nos.  5  and  6  operate  the  belt-filling  machine.  While  the 
section  is  in  action  they  continue  to  fill  belts  as  long  as  there 
is  ammunition  available  and  there  are  empty  belts  to  be  filled 
unless  otherwise  directed  by  the  platoon  commander  or  the 
platoon  sergeant. 

76.  When  the  position  of  the  firing  point  is  changed,  No.  4 
goes  to  and  remains  with  the  gun,  ready  to  assist  in  carrying  its 
emergency  supply  of  ammunition  and  water  still  farther  for- 
ward.    He  returns  to  the  ammunition  station  for  a  new  supply 
only  when  so  directed  by  his  Chief  of  Section.     Nos.  5  and  6 
move  the  ammunition  station  under  the  direction  of  the  platoon 
sergeant. 

To  Pack. 

77.  The  section  being  in  action  1.  Prepare  to  Pack,  2.  PACK. 
At  the  first  command  : 

The  off  packer  brings  up  the  ammunition  mules  and 
prepares  to  assist  in  equalizing  and  slinging  loads. 

No.  4  replaces  the  third  mule's  load  in  the  hangers  and 
places  them  so  that  the  mule  may  be  conveniently  led 
between  them  for  loading. 

No.  5  places  belts  in  their  proper  boxes,  and,  assisted  by 
the  off  packer,  prepares  and  equalizes  the  loads  for  the 
mules  at  the  ammunition  station.  Then,  together  with 
the  off  packer  and  No.  6,  he  slings  the  ammunition 
loads  on  the  fourth  and  fifth  mules  and  proceeds  at 
once  to  the  point  where  No.  4  has  prepared  the  load  of 
the  third  mule. 

No.  6  packs  the  belt-filling  machine  and  secures  it  on 
the  fifth  mule,  and,  after  slinging  the  ammunition  loads, 
assists  the  off  packer  to  secure  them.  He  then  gives 
the  packer  any  further  assistance  that  may  be  neces- 
sary in  securing  the  loads  or  animals  and  proceeds 
with  him  to  the  point  where  the  third  mule  is  to  be 
loaded. 
At  the  second  command: 

The  off  packer  gives  such  assistance  as  may  be  necessary 
in  slinging  and  securing  the  load  on  the  third  mule, 
and  then  takes  his  post. 

No.  4  slings  the  off  load  on  the  third  mule  and  secures 
it.  He  then  takes  his  post. 


DUTIES   OF   THE  AMMUNITION  SQUAD.  29 

No.  6  gives  such  assistance  as  may  be  necessary  in  sling- 
ing and  securing  the  load  on  the  third  mule.  He  then 
unlinks  the  fifth  mule  from  the  fourth  and  takes  his 
post. 

To  Pack  the  Belt-Filling  Machine. 

78.  No.  6  brings  the  crank  handle  to  a  horizontal  position 
toward  him ;  removes  split  pin  and  crank,  placing  it  in  its 
proper  place  in  the  box,  and  removes  the  hopper,  laying  it  on 
the  cover  of  the  box.  He  then  removes  the  body  with  the  right 
hand,  places  it  in  the  box;  then  the  bracket,  unscrewing  the 
clamp  screw  to  its  full  extent.  After  this  he  places  the  file 
and  spanner  in  their  proper  places,  and  lastly  the  hopper. 

NOTE. — For  detailed  description  of  the  belt-filling  machine  and 
its  nomenclature  see  Ordnance  Manual  No.  1770. 


-••'••        •        •     ••      -.      -      .     / 

CHAPTER  IV. 
THE  PACK  SQUAD. 

79.  The  pack  squad  is  composed  of  two  privates,  designated 
us  the  Off  and  Near  Packer.    The  near  packer  is  the  senior. 
SO.   Formation  of  the  squad,  without  packs: 

••-quad  is  formed  in  double  rank,  the  near  packer  in  the 
nt  rank.     Win  i  to  do  so,  they  call  off  Near  Packer 

Off  Packer,  res 

'  ihe  Packers: 
The  Gun  in  Pack  : 

Near  Packer  on  the  near  side  oj:  and  leading  the  second  mule. 
Off  Packer  on  the  i).-;ir  side  of  and  leading  the  third  mule. 

82.  The  Piece  prepared  for  Action  : 

Near  Packer,  herding  or  holding  the  mules  of  the  combat 
division  under  the  nearest  available  cover. 

Off  Packer,  herding  (  r  holding  the  mules  of  the  supply  division 
under  the  direction  of  the  platoon  sergeant. 

GENERAL  DUTIES. 

83.  To  keep  the  personal  equipment  in  order. 

To  feed,  water,  groom,  and  care  for  the  animals  assigned  to 
him. 

To  clean  out  their  stalls  and  space  on  picket  line. 

To  keep  the  packs  assigned  to  him  in  good  repair,  and  to 
bring  to  the  attention  of  the  platoon  sergeant  any  deficiencies 
he  can  not  himself  supply. 

To  saddle  up  at  the  signal  for  drill,  exercise,  march,  o- 
combat. 

To  assist  at  herd  guard  and  exercise. 

To  perform  his  share  as  \vatchrnan. 

To  perform  his  share  of  stable  police. 

To  Put  On  the  Blind. 

84.  Grasp  one  of  the  sides  of  the  blind  near  the  end;  hold 
the  mule  by  the  halter  or  halter  shank  with  the  other  hand; 

30 


DUTIES  OF  THE  PACK  SQUAD.  31 

carry  the  blind  fully  over  the  mule's  neck  to  the  off  side,  al- 
lowing half  the  blind  and  tail  to  hang  down;  bring  the  crown 
of  the  blind  well  to  the  front  and  pass  it  over  the  mule's  ears ; 
do  not  raise  it  too  high  in  passing  it  over,  or  the  mule  may 
duck  from  under.  A  restive  rnule  should  always  be  blinded 
when  saddling  or  packing. 

To  Put  On  the  Bridle. 

83.  Take  the  reins  in  the  right  hand,  bit  in  the  left;  approach 
the  mule  on  the  near  side;  slip  the  reins  over  his  head  and  let 
them  rest  on  his  neck;  reach  under  and  engage  the  snap  in  the 
right  halter  ring,  insert  the  thumb  of  the  right  hand  in  the 
mule's  mouth  above  the  tush  and  press  open  the  lower  jaw; 
insert  the  bit  and  engage  the  snap  in  the  left  halter  ring.  The 
bit  should  hang  so  as  to  touch  but  not  draw  up  the  corners  of 
the  mouth. 

To  Fold  the  Pack  Blanket. 

86.  The  blanket,  after  being  well  shaken,  will  be  folded  into 
six  thicknesses,  as  follows :  Hold  it  well  up  by  the  two  corners, 
the  short  way  up  and  down;  double  it  lengthwise  so  the  fold 
will  come  across  the  LT.  and  S.,  the  folded  corner  (middle  of 
blanket)  in  the  left  hand;  take  the  folded  corner  between  tlic 
thumb  and  forefinger  of  the  right  hand,  thumb  pointing  to  the 
left;  slip  the  left  hand  down  the  folded  edge  two-thirds  of  its 
length  and  seize  it  with  the  thumb  and  second  finger;  raise 
the  hands  to  the  height  of  the  shoulders,  blanket  between  them 
extended;  bring  the  hands  together,  the  double  fold  falling  out- 
ward ;  pass  the  folded  corner  from  the  right  hand  into  the  left 
hand,  between  the  thumb  and  forefinger;  slip  the  second  finger 
of  the  right  hand  between  the  folds  and  seize  the  double-folded 
corner;  turn  the  left  (disengaged)  corner  in,  and  seize  it  with 
the  thumb  and  forefinger  of  the  right  hand,  the  second  finger  of 
the  right  hand  stretching  and  evening  the  folds;  after  evening 
the  folds,  grasp  the  corners  and  shake  the  blanket  well  in  order 
to  smooth  the  folds ;  raise  the  blanket  and  place  between  tho 
chin  and  breast;  slip  the  hands  down  half  way,  the  first  two- 
fingers  inside ;  seize  the  blanket  with  the  thumbs  and  first  two 
fingers,  let  the  part  under  the  chin  fall  forward;  hold  the 
blanket  up,  arms  extended,  even  the  lower  edges,  seize  the 
middle  points  between  the  thumbs  and  forefingers,  and  flirt  the 


32  DUTIES   OF   THE   PACK   SQUAD. 

outside  part  over  the  right  arm ;  the  blanket  is  thus  held  before 
placing  it  on  the  animal. 

For  the  English  pack,  the  blanket  is  folded  as  described,  ex- 
cept that  it  is  first  held  up  by  the  two  corners  the  long  way  up 
and  down,  so  that  the  first  fold  will  come  between  the  U.  and  S. 

To  Put  On  the  Blanket. 

87.  Grasp  the  folded  blanket  with  the  thumb  and  forefinger 
of  each  hand  at  the  middle  of  an  end ;  hold  it  well  up  in  front 
of  the  face  and  even  the  lower  edges;  flirt  the  outer  half  of 
the  blanket  back  over  the  right  arm ;  approach  the  animal  on 
the  near  side ;  place  it  well  forward  on  him  by  tossing  the  outer 
part  over  the  arm  to  the  off  side  of  the  animal ;  still  keeping 
hold  of  the  middle  points,  slide  the  blanket  once  or  twice  from 
front  to  rear  to  smooth  the  hair,  taking  care  to  raise  the  blanket 
in  bringing  it  forward;  place  the  blanket  with  the  forefinger  of 
the  left  hand  on  the  withers  and  the  forefinger  of  the  right 
hand  on  the  backbone;  blanket  smooth. 

To  Put  On  the  Corona. 

88.  Grasp  the  corona  with  the  thumb  and  forefinger  of  each 
hand  at  the  ends  of  the  center  seam,  thumbs  on  the  blanket 
side,    forefingers    underneath,    left    thumb    inside    the   circular 
stitch ;  without  changing  the  grip,  toss  the  outside  of  the  corona 
over  the  right  arm,  approach  the  animal  on  the  near  side,  and 
put  on  the  corona  as  described  for  the  blanket. 

To    Turn   the  Crupper. 

89.  The  near  packer  places  his  left  hand  on  the  near  side  of 
the  crupper  about   15   inches  from  the   dock,   and   grasps  the 
lower  edge  of  the  crupper  at  the  dock  with  the  right  hand. 
The  off  packer  takes  hold  similarly  on  the  off  side,  but  with  the 
position  of  his  hands  reversed;  both  push  in  with  the  hands 
nearer  the  saddle,  at  the  same  time  raising  the  dock  and  carry- 
ing it  forward.     The  quicker  the  action,  the  easier  the  crupper 
is  turned. 

The  crupper  is  turned  down  in  the  same  manner,  the  packers 
pulling  down  on  the  dock  instead  of  raising  it,  and  pushing 
with  the  hands  nearer  the  saddle. 


DUTIES  OF   THE  PACK  SQUAD.  33 

To  Put  On  the  Saddle. 

90.  (a)  A  pare  jo. — Put  on  by  two  packers  (off  and  near)  work- 
ing on  the  off  and  near  sides,  respectively. 

The  near  packer  puts  on  the  bridle  and  blind,  and  the  off 
packer  puts  on  the  corona.  Each  packer,  then  working  on  his 
own  side,  grasps  the  aparejo  by  the  lower  corners,  raises  it 
high  enough  to  clear  the  mule's  rump,  and  sets  it  on  the  mule's 
back  a  little  in  rear  of  the  proper  place.  The  crupper  is  then 
turned  down  (par.  89),  and  the  packers  place  the  dock  of  the 
crupper  under  the  mule's  tail ;  without  allowing  the  crupper  to 
slip  down,  both  the  packers  set  the  aparejo  forward  in  its 
proper  place,  taking  care  to  keep  it  straight.  The  off  packer 
pulls  the  gas-pipe  end  of  the  cinch  toward  him,  and,  guiding  it 
down  the  middle,  passes  it  under  the  belly  to  the  near  packer, 
who  seizes  it  with  the  right  hand,  at  the  same  time  passing 
the  end  of  the  latigo  through  the  eyelets  from  inside  to  out, 
thence  through  the  rendering  ring  from  outside  to  in,  and  back 
around  the  gas  pipe  again,  the  same  as  before.  Meanwhile  the 
off  packer  seizes  the  rear  corner  of  the  boot  on  his  side  with 
the  left  hand,  pulls  the  saddle  forward,  at  the  same  time  in- 
serting his  right  hand  between  the  corona  and  the  withers, 
raises  the  end  of  the  corona,  and  calls  "  Settle."  The  near 
packer  then  places  his  left  hand  against  the  aparejo  and  pulls 
the  cinch  taut  with  the  right.  When  it  is  pulled  as  tight  as 
possible,  he  calls  "  Cinch."  The  off  packer  then  withdraws  his 
hand  and,  if  the  corona  is  clear  of  the  withers,  he  passes  in 
rear  of  the  mule,  sees  that  the  saddle  sets  squarely,  and  seizes 
the  latigo  with  the  near  packer ;  each  puts  one  foot  on  the  boot 
and,  pulling  together,  cinch  the  aparejo  tight.  When  cinched, 
the  gas-pipe  end  of  the  cinch  should  be  at  the  lower  edge  of 
the  boot.  The  near  packer  holds  the  slack  with  the  left  hand 
and  passes  the  end  of  the  latigo  through  the  frame  and  the 
finger  loop  and  pulls  it  taut.  He  then  removes  the  blind. 

(b)  English  saddle. — The  saddle  and  equipment,  being  arranged 
as  prescribed  for  garrison  or  field,  is  put  on  by  the  two  packers 
as  follows : 

The  near  packer  puts  on  the  breast  strap,  bridle,  and  blind. 
The  off  packer,  working  on  the  near  side,  puts  on  the  blanket 
and  saddle,  placing  the  latter  on  the  mule's  back  over  the  loins. 
Both  packers,  now  working  on  their  respective  sides,  turn  down 
the  breeching  and  crupper.  Near  packer  grasps  lower  part  of 
7230—10 3 


34  DUTIES   OF   THE   PACK   SQUAD. 

breeching  with  the  right  hand ;  left  hand  at  middle  of  breechin 
palm  up.  Off  packer  grasps  lower  edge  of  breeching  wit: 
the  left  hand;  right  hand  grasps  crupper.  Off  packer  cal 
''Break,"  and  the  crupper  and  breeching  are  broken  out.  OJ 
packer  twists  mule's  tail  and  adjusts  crupper,  holds  it  we] 
up  under  the  dock  with  the  left  hand  and  slips  right  hand  unde 
center  of  off  saddle  pad,  supporting  it.  Near  packer  faces  th 
mule's  head,  slips  left  arm  under  near  saddle  pad,  supporting  it 
right  hand  grasping  rear  end  of  top  frame.  When  crupper 
adjusted,  off  packer  calls  "  Set  forward."  Both  packers  li 
and  set  the  saddle  evenly  upon  the  mule's  back. 

Near  packer  throws  cincha  over  to  off  packer  and  passes  fror 
cincha  under  to  near  side.  Near  packer  adjusts  latigo  strar 
and  tightens  to  a  half  cinch.  In  the  meantime,  off  packer  place 
right  hand  over  the  mule's  withers,  under  the  blanket,  an 
clinches  his  fist  so  as  to  raise  the  blanket  well  up  off  the  mule 
withers.  When  near  packer  has  tightened  it  to  a  half  cincl 
he  calls  "  Cinch."  The  off  packer  fastens  breast  strap  to  sa( 
die  and  passes  in  rear  of  the  mule,  glances  at  the  saddle  to  se 
that  it  sets  evenly,  grasps  the  free  latigo  strap  and  cinches  tt 
rear  cinch  to  half  a  cinch.  Both  tighten  cinches  and  tie  tl 
latigo  straps.  Near  packer  now  fastens  the  near  breast  stra 
to  saddle. 

To  Put  On  the  Loads. 

91.  The  loads  are  placed  on  the  hangers  by  four  men,  an  o 
and  near  pair.     The  mule  being  saddled  and  placed  in  front 
his  load  as  in  saddling,  the  instructor  commands  PACK.    At  th 
command  one  of  the  near  pair  puts  on  the  blind.     Each  pa 
then  procures  a  hanger  containing  the  load  and  hangs  it  c 
their  side  of  the  saddle,  the  weight  of  both  loads  coming  on  tl 
saddle  at  the  same  time.     If  there  is  a  top  load,  it  is  plact 
on  the  top  frame.     The  cargo  cinch,  if  used,   is  then  passe 
under  the  belly  and  lashed  to  the  hanger  and  cargo  cinch,  tl 
cinches  being  so  adjusted  that  the  lower  edge  of  the  hang< 
will  not  cut  the  latigo.     The  lashing  is  secured  by  a  "  Calif  orn: 
hitch."     One  of  the  near  pair  then  removes  the  blind. 

To  Remove  the  Load,  Saddle,  Blanket,  Bridle,  and  Blind. 

92.  At   the   commands   UNPACK,   UNSADDLE,  the   loads   ai 
saddle  equipments   are   removed,   the  loads   by   four   men,   tl 
saddle    equipment   by   two    packers,   and    the   whole   arrange 
as  prescribed  in  paragraphs  150  and  158. 


36  DRILL   OF   THE   SECTION. 

98.  The  section  without  packs  is  maneuvered  by  the  same 
commands  and  means  as  a  squad  of  infantry,  substituting  the 
word  "  Section  "  for  the  word  "  Squad  "  in  the  Infantry  Drill 
Regulations.    The  post  of  the  Chief  of  Section  is  2  paces  in  front 
of  the  center,  facing  to  the  front,  and  he  maintains  this  relative 
position  when  marching  to  the  flank  or  to  the  rear.     As  in- 
structor he  goes  wherever  his  presence  may  be  necessary. 

INSTRUCTION   WITHOUT   PACKS. 

99.  The  section  is  formed  for  machine-gun  instruction,  as  re- 
quired for  maneuvers  for  the  section  without  packs,  and  marched 
to  the  place  where  the  equipment  is  secured.    The  section  may 
then  be  divided  into  its  component  squads  and  each  assigned  to 
such  duty  as  may  be  directed  for  that  hour  of  instruction.    At 
the  close  of  the  period  of  instruction,  the  section  is  assembled 
at  the  command  Fall  In,  after  the  equipments  have  been  secured, 
and  marched  back  to  quarters  by  the  Chief  of  Section,  where  it 
is   dismissed    as    prescribed    for    a    squad    in    Infantry    Drill 
Regulations. 

INSTRUCTION  WITH  PACKS. 

100.  The  section  with  pack  may  be  formed  in  any  special 
manner  desired  by  giving  the  particular  instructions  necessary. 
There  are  three  habitual  prescribed  formations : 

(a)   For  Maneuver. 

(6)  For  Route  Marches. 

(c)   For  Action  or  Inspection. 

101.  For    maneuver    the    section    is    habitually    formed    in 
column,  the  gun  mule  in  the  lead,  the  other  mules  in  regular 
order  behind  the  gun  mule.     In  this  formation  the  mules  are 
referred  to  as  first,  second,  etc.,  according  to  the  position  in 
column.     The   gun   mule   may   be   referred   to   as   such,   or   as 
"  first  mule."     The  distance  from  nose  to  croup  is  1  yard. 

The  members  of  the  section  are  posted  as  prescribed  for 
"  The  Gun  Squad,"  paragraph  23 ;  "  The  Ammunition  Squad," 
paragraph  70;  and  "The  Packer,"  paragraph  81,  respectively. 
(Plate  VI.) 

The  post  of  the  Chief  of  Section  is  2  yards  in  front  of  the 
gun  mule,  and  as  instructor  he  goes  wherever  necessary.  He 
frequently  inspects  all  the  loads  in  his  section  to  see  that  they 
are  properly  adjusted. 


PLATE  VI. 


ABBREVIATIONS: 

C.    S.  =  Chief  of  Section. 

PTR.  =  Pointer. 

N.  P.  =  Near  Packer. 

O.  P.  -  Off  Packer. 


m/\ 


co/\ 


THE  SECTION   WITH   PACKS.      PAR.  101. 


Mules 


PLATE  VII. 


x\ 


O  QAparejos       Q  j~ ] 

00  DO  Loads          QQ  QQ 


A  no 

Ammunition 
squad 


THE  LINE  UP.     PAR.  102. 


DRILL  OF  THE  SECTION.  37 

102.  The  section  being  formed  without  packs,  to  form  with 
packs : 

The  section  having  been  marched  to  a  point  conveniently  near 
its  equipment,  the  Chief  of  Section  commands :  LINE  UP. 

The  gun  squad  and  ammunition  squad  place  the  aparejos 
and  loads  in  numerical  order  in  line  at  4-yard  intervals,  each 
load  strapped  in  its  hanger  and  placed  1  yard  in  rear  of  the 
aparejo  on  which  it  is  to  be  packed. 

The  packers  place  the  pack  mules  each  in  front  of  and  facing 
away  from  its  load,  and  tie  or  blind  them.  In  tying  and  blind- 
ing the  mules  they  are  assisted  by  such  members  of  the  gun 
and  ammunition  squads  as  may  be  available. 

The  gun  squad  now  takes  post  in  rear  of  the  load  of  the  gun 
mule,  the  ammunition  squad  in  rear  of  the  load  of  the  second 
mule,  the  packers  on  their  respective  sides  of  the  gun  mule's 
aparejo,  and  the  Chief  of  Section  on  a  line  with  the  front  of  the 
aparejo,  2  yards  from  the  gun  mule's  aparejo.  This  formation 
is  designated  as  the  LINE  UP.  (Plate  VII.) 

103.  When   the   equipment   can   be   secured   for   storage   in 
places  from  which  it  can  be  conveniently  taken  direct  from 
position  and  placed  on  the  mules,  the  preparation  for  Line  Up 
consists  in  securing  the  mules,  placing  them  in  suitable  positions 
ready  to  receive  their  loads,  preparing  the  loads  by  removing 
their  covers  and  placing  the  loads  in  the  hangers  if  not  there, 
and  posting  the  three  squads  conveniently  near  the  loads  above 
designated.     In  this  case  the  Chief  of  Section  takes  such  posi- 
tion as  will  best  enable  him  to  observe  the  loading.    It  has  been 
found  convenient  in  some  cases  to  secure  the  equipments  so  that 
a  rigging  cover  may  be  used  instead  of  separate  paulins,  and  in 
other  cases  it  has  been  found  convenient  to  secure  the  equip- 
ments on  suitable  racks  from  which  they  can  be  loaded  directly. 
In  such  cases  the  posts  of  the  squads  are  assigned  according  to 
the  most  convenient  disposition,  and  when  the  foregoing  prepara- 
tions have  been  made  and  these  posts  taken,  the  Line  Up  will  be 
established  in  these  cases. 

BEING  IN  LINE  UP,  TO  SADDLE. 

104.  The  Chief  of  Section  commands:  SADDLE. 

The  packers  saddle  each  mule  in  turn,  beginning  with  the  gun 
mule. 

On  the  completion  of  saddling,  the  packers  resume  their  posts. 


38  DRILL  OF  THE  SECTION. 

BEING  SADDLED,  TO  LOAD  OUT. 

105.  The  Chief  of  Section  commands:  LOAD  OUT. 

The  gun  and  ammunition  squads  place  the  loads  on  each  mule 
in  turn,  beginning  with  the  combat  division,  and  secure  them. 

When  the  ammunition  squad  consists  of  less  than  four  men 
the  gun  squad  places  and  secures  the  side  loads  only,  and  are 
followed  by  the  ammunition  squad,  which  places  and  secures 
the  top  loads. 

106.  The   Chief  of  Section  inspects  each  pack  after  it  is 
loaded,  causes  any  necessary  adjustments  to  be  made,  assigns 
leaders  to  fourth  and  fifth  mules  if  necessary,  directs  the  men 
to  procure  their  necessary  equipment,  and  commands :  POSTS. 

At  the  command  Posts,  the  mules  are  formed  in  the  normal 
maneuver  column,  gun  mule  in  front,  and  each  man  takes  his 
post  as  therein  prescribed. 

107.  After  the  men  are  well  instructed  in  their  duties  and 
the  animals  well  trained,  the  loading  in  detail  as  above  de- 
scribed may  be  shortened  by  giving  the  command:  SADDLE  AND 
PACK. 

This  command  may  be  given  at  the  approach  of  the  section 
without  packs  to  its  equipment,  or  after  the  Line  Up  has  been 
established.  All  the  operations  above  prescribed  are  performed, 
all  the  men  working  at  once  at  their  respective  duties.  This  is 
the  normal  method  of  loading  out  for  a  well-instructed  sec- 
tion. The  whole  operation  of  loading  out  is  completed  without 
further  command,  each  man  taking  post  in  the  normal  maneuver 
column  as  soon  as  his  work  is  completed. 

TO  DISMISS  THE  SECTION. 

108.  The   section   is  marched  in   maneuver  column  to  the 
place  selected  for  the  Line  Up,  formed  in  line  to  the  flank  and 
halted.     The  Chief  of  Section  commands:  LINE  UP. 

The  mules  are  secured  (blinded  or  tied),  and  the  loads  re- 
moved by  the  gun  and  ammunition  squads,  working  in  the  in- 
verse order  of  the  loading,  the  equipment  being  placed  as  pre- 
scribed for  the  Line  Up  as  fast  as  it  is  unloaded.  The  mules  are 
unsaddled  by  the  packers  as  fast  as  the  loads  are  removed.  The 
line  up  being  formed,  the  Chief  of  Section  inspects  each  mule 
for  saddle  or  cinch  galls,  sore  backs,  etc.,  gives  the  necessary 
instructions  to  the  packers  and  commands :  SECURE  EQUIPMENT. 


I 


DRILL  OF   THE   SECTION.  39 

The  packers  remove  the  mules  and  dispose  of  them  according 
to  their  instructions.  The  gun  squad  and  the  ammunition  squad 
secure  the  aparejos  and  loads  as  prescribed.  The  Chief  of  Sec- 
tion inspects  the  mules  and  equipment,  gives  such  instructions  as 
may  be  necessary  to  insure  that  they  are  properly  secured,  and 
commands :  FALL  IN. 

The  section  falls  in  without  packs,  and  is  marched  to  its 
quarters  by  the  Chief  of  Section,  where  it  is  dismissed. 

109.  The    equipment    is    habitually    secured    as    prescribed 
under  "Arrangement  of  equipment." 

When  practicable,  racks  may  be  constructed  for  storage  of 
equipment  in  positions  convenient  for  loading,  on  which  racks 
the  equipment  will  be  covered  either  with  separate  paulins  or 
with  rigging  covers. 

In  camp,  arrangements  will  always  be  made,  when  prac- 
ticable, to  keep  the  aparejos  and  loads  off  the  ground. 

When  no  sentinel  is  posted  over  the  equipment,  one  of  the 
packers  must  always  be  on  duty  as  watchmen  in  charge  of  the 
equipment  and  picket  line. 

Ml  1 

MANEUVERS    OF   THE    SECTION,   ACTING  ALONE. 

110.  Unless  otherwise  ordered  all  movements,  distances,  and 
intervals  will  be  regulated  on  the  gun  mule. 

The  interval  between  pack  mules  when  the  column  is  marched 
by  the  flank  is  4  yards  from  head  to  head. 

The  section  advances,  halts,  changes  direction,  obliques,  and 
resumes  the  direct  march  by  the  commands  prescribed  in  the 
Infantry  Drill  Regulations  for  a  squad  in  column  of  files,  sub- 
stituting the  word  "  section  "  for  the  word  "  squad." 

Mules  are  turned  on  the  arc  of  a  circle  whose  radius  is  2 
yards. 

The  men  retain  their  original  positions  relative  to  the  packs 
with  which  they  are  posted. 

TO  MARCH  THE  SECTION  TO  THE  REAR. 

111.  1.  To  the  rear,  2.  MARCH. 

Each  mule  is  led  to  the  left  about,  individually,  the  men  re- 
taining their  respective  positions  relative  to  the  packs  with 
which  they  are  stationed.  This  movement  is  used  for  short 
distances  only,  and  if  the  section  has  not  been  faced  to  the 
front  on  the  march,  it  will  be  faced  to  the  front  upon  halting. 
To  face  the  section  to  the  front,  the  same  command  is  used. 


40  DRILL  OF   THE   SECTION. 

TO  COUNTERMARCH. 

112.  1.  Countermarch,  2.  MARCH. 

The  gun  mule  is  led  to  the  left  about.  The  other  mules  of 
the  section  are  turned  to  the  left  about  successively,  each  in 
time  to  follow  in  the  trace  of  the  preceding  inule.  The  men 
retain  their  positions  relative  to  the  packs  with  which  they  are 
stationed.  This  movement  is  used  when  it  is  intended  to  con- 
tinue the  march  to  the  rear. 

TO   TURN  TO   THE  RIGHT  OR  LEFT  WITHOUT  GAINING  GROUND 
TO  THE  FRONT. 

113.  1.  Section  right  (left),  2.  MARCH. 

The  gun  mule  is  turned  to  the  right  (left)  and  halted.  The 
other  mules  are  turned  out  of  the  column  to  the  left  (right), 
each  one  is  led  to  a  point  slightly  in  rear  of  its  place  in  the 
new  column,  then  turned  to  the  right  (left)  and  halted  in  its 
proper  position  in  rear  of  the  preceding  mule.  The  men  retain 
their  positions  relative  to  the  packs  with  which  they  are 
stationed. 

This  movement  is  made  use  of  in  the  proper  handling  of 
machine  gun  sections  and  platoons  at  combined  drill  with 
infantry.  The  object  is  to  change  direction  without  gaining 
ground  to  the  front.  (Plate  VIII.) 

TO.  FACE  THE  SECTION  TO  THE  REAR  WITHOUT  GAINING  GROUND 
TO  THE  FRONT  OR  REAR. 

114.  1.  Section  left  (right)  about,  2.  MARCH. 

The  gun  mule  is  led  to  the  left  (right)  about  and  halted. 
The  other  mules  are  led  straight  to  the  front,  turned  to  the 
left  (right)  about  and  halted  successively,  each  in  its  proper 
place  in  rear  of  the  preceding  mule. 

The  men  retain  their  positions  relative  to  the  packs  with 
which  they  are  stationed. 

This  movement  is  made  use  of  in  the  proper  handling  of 
machine  gun  sections  and  platoons  at  combined  drill  with  in- 
fantry. The  object  is  to  face  the  section  to  the  rear  without 
gaining  ground  to  the  rear  (or  front).  (Plate  IX.) 


PLATE  VIII. 


^- 


3     >-r     2 


SECTION  RIGHT.     PAR.  113. 


PLATE  IX. 


SECTION   LEFT  ABOUT.     PAR.  114. 


PLATE  X. 


r'l 
ai 


COMBAT  DIVISION  REAR.     PAR.  115. 


r 


DRILL   OF   THE   SECTION.  41 

TO   PLACE    THE    COMBAT   DIVISION   IN   REAR    OF    THE   SUPPLY 
DIVISION. 

115.  1.  Combat  division,  rear,  2.  MARCH. 

The  supply  division  continues  the  march  led  by  the  off  packer 
with  the  third  mule.  The  combat  division  executes  To  the 
rear,  March,  and  then  executes  Countermarch,  March,  in  time  to 
follow  in  the  trace  of  the  supply  division  at  normal  distance. 
By  this  means  the  gun  mule  is  placed  last  in  column  with  the 
original  second  mule  immediately  in  front  of  the  gun  mule.  The 
post  of  the  chief  of  section  is  2  yards  in  rear  of  the  gun 
mule.  The  men  retain  their  positions  relative  to  the  packs 
with  which  they  are  stationed.  (Plate  X.) 

TO   MOVE    THE   COMBAT   DIVISION   FROM   IN   REAR    OF,    TO   IN 
FRONT  OF  THE  SUPPLY  DIVISION. 

1 16.  1.  Combat  division,  Forward,  2.  MARCH. 

The  supply  division  continues  the  march.  The  combat  di- 
vision moving  at  an  increased  gait,  obliques  to  the  left  until 
it  has  uncovered  the  supply  division,  then  moves  to  the  front, 
and  the  mules  are  led  to  their  proper  place  in  the  normal 
column,  successively  reducing  the  gait  when  their  proper  po- 
sitions are  reached.  The  men  resume  their  original  posts. 

TO    UNPACK    AND    PREPARE   FOR    ACTION. 

117.  1.  ACTION  FRONT  (RIGHT,  LEFT,  REAR). 

At  this  command  the  fourth  mule  is  linked  to  the  third,  the 
fifth  mule  is  linked  to  the  fourth,  the  gun  squad  and  ammuni- 
tion squad  perform  the  duties  prescribed  for  them  in  para- 
graphs 33,  34,  74,  75,  and  82. 

In  preliminary  instruction,  to  avoid  undue  fatigue,  the 
positions  of  the  different  elements  of  the  section  may  be  indi- 
cated at  convenient  intervals. 

TO  RESUME  THE  ORDER  FOR  MARCHING  IN  PACK. 

118.  1.  Prepare  to  Pack,  2.  PACK. 

At  the  first  command  the  gun  squad  executes  Prepare  to  Pack. 
At  the  command  PACK  the  gun  squad  packs  the  gun  mule,  the 


42  DRILL   OF   THE   SECTION. 

ammunition  squad  packs  the  third,  fourth,  and  fifth  mules,  and 
all  take  posts  in  the  normal  column  without  command. 

When  necessary,  the  piece  is  moved  to  the  rear  by  hand 
before  giving  the  commands  for  packing.  This  will  usually  be 
done  when  cover  can  be  secured  near  the  firing  line  under 
which  to  pack ;  and  in  going  into  action,  the  piece  will  usually 
be  unpacked  under  cover  and  moved  forward  by  hand  to  the 
firing  position. 

BEING  IN  NORMAL  COLUMN,  TO  TAKE  THE  ROUTE  ORDER. 

119.  1.  Route  Order,  2.  MARCH. 

The  mules  are  linked.  The  near  packer  proceeds  to  the  head 
of  the  column  and  leads  the  gun  mule.  The  off  packer  goes  to 
the  rear  of  the  column  and  takes  post  there  to  observe  the  loads 
and  see  that  they  ride  properly.  The  gun  and  ammunition 
squads  march  at  route  step  at  the  head,  rear,  or  flank  of  the 
column,  as  directed. 

TO  RESUME  THE  NORMAL  ORDER  FROM  ROUTE  ORDER. 

120.  1.  POSTS. 

The  Chief  of  Section  commands  posts,  moves  a  little  to  one 
side,  halts  to  allow  the  column  to  pass  by,  observes  carefully 
whether  posts  have  been  properly  resumed  and  loads  are  riding 
properly,  causes  any  necessary  adjustments  to  be  made,  and 
resumes  his  post  at  the  head  of  the  column. 

He  may  precede  the  command  posts  by  giving  the  command 
attention,  if  necessary. 

121.  The  gun  squad  is  responsible  for  the  care  of  the  load 
carried  by  the  gun  mule,  including  the  hangers,  and  also  for 
the  heavy  intrenching  tools. 

The  ammunition  squad  is  responsible  for: 
Ammunition  boxes. 
Ammunition  belts. 
Belt-loading  machine* 
Ammunition. 
Water  boxes, 
.toi/*  Ammunition  hangers. 

*3K^  I 


DRILL   OF  THE   SECTION.  43 

The  packers  are  responsible  for  the  care  of : 
The  mules. 
The  aparejos. 
Saddles. 
Bridles. 
Halters. 
Coronas. 
Blankets. 
Miscellaneous  mule  and  horse  equipments. 


CHAPTER  VI. 
THE  PLATOON. 

122.  The  platoon  commander  is  responsible  for  the  instruc- 
tion, drill,  discipline,  equipment,  and  condition  of  the  platoon 
at  all  times.     He  causes  the  noncommissioned   officers  to  be 
properly  instructed  in  their  duties  and  to  properly  instruct  the 
other  members  of  the  platoon.     In  giving  this  instruction  ordi- 
narily the  chiefs  of  section  instruct  the  combat  divisions;  the 
platoon   sergeant,   the   supply   divisions  of   the   platoon.     The 
platoon  commander  acts  as  instructor  in  person  to  such  extent 
as  may  be  necessary.    He  causes  the  members  of  his  platoon  to 
study  and  recite  such  portions  of  the  machine-gun  drill  regula- 
tions  as   pertain   to   their   duties,   conducts   the   drills   of  the 
platoon,  and  supervises  the  care  of  its  animals  and  equipment. 

123.  The  platoon  is  formed  without  packs  in  line,  with  an 
interval  of  2  yards  between  sections. 

124.  To  form  the  platoon  without  packs,  the  platoon  ser- 
geant takes  post  4  yards  in  front  of  and  facing  the  point  to 
be  covered  by  the  center  of  the  platoon  and  commands :  FALL  IN. 

The  sections  are  formed  in  numerical  order  from  right  to  left, 
as  prescribed  under  "  The  Section." 

AVhen  the  chiefs  of  section  have  verified  the  formation  of  their 
sections,  they  face  to  the  front  and  the  platoon  sergeant  com- 
mands: REPORT. 

The  chiefs  of  sections  salute  and  report  in  order  from  right 
to  left:  FIRST  (OR  SUCH)  SECTION,  PRESENT,  or  SO-AND-SO 
ABSENT. 

The  platoon  sergeant  faces  about,  salutes  the  platoon  com- 
mander, and  reports:  SIR,  THE  PLATOON  IS  FORMED,  or  SO- 
AND-SO  ABSENT. 

He  then  takes  his  post  without  command  in  the  line  of  file 
closers  in  rear  of  the  center  of  the  line. 

The  platoon  commander  takes  position  8  paces  in  front  of  the 
center  and,  facing  the  line  in  time  to  receive  the  report,  makes 
such  inspection  as  he  sees  fit  and  takes  post  4  paces  in  front  of 
the  center  of  the  platoon  facing  to  the  front. 
44 


CD 


CD 


CD 


PLATE  XII. 


1=3  en  a 

2nd  section  Platoon  commander  1st.  section 


0 

Q 

Q 

D 

D 

D 

D 

D 

D 

°                     n 

Platoon  sergeant 

THE  PLATOON   IN   LINE.      PAR.  126. 


DRILL   OF   THE   PLATOON.  45 

This  is  the  normal  formation  of  a  machine-gun  platoon  in  line 
without  pack,  and  will  be  referred  to  as  "  The  Platoon  in  Line 
Without  Pack."  ( Plate  XI. ) 

125.  A  platoon  without  packs  is  maneuvered  by  the  same 
commands  and  means  as  a  detachment  of  infantry,  substituting 
the  word  "  Platoon  "  for  the  word  "  Detachment,"  and  the  word 
"  Section  "  for  the  word  "  Squad  "  in  the  Infantry  Drill  Regula- 
tions. 

THE    PLATOON    IN    LINE,    WITH    PACKS. 

126.  The  sections  are  formed  abreast  of  each  other,  the  sec- 
tion with  the  smaller  numerical  number  on  the  right,  each  sec- 
tion in  the  normal  maneuver  column.     The  interval  between 
sections  is  the  depth  of  a  section  plus  4  yards. 

The  post  of  the  platoon  commander  is  midway  between  the 
sections  and  on  line  with  the  leading  mules,  facing  the  front. 

The  post  of  the  platoon  sergeant  is  midway  between  the  sec- 
tions and  on  line  with  the  rear  mules,  facing  the  front. 

The  transportation,  under  charge  of  the  packers  of  the  supply 
train,  takes  such  position  as  may  be  assigned  to  it,  but  does  not 
fall  in  with  the  platoon. 

This  formation  of  the  platoon  with  pack  will  be  referred  to  as 
"  The  Platoon  in  Line."  (Plate  XII.) 

127.  For  action  the  platoon  is  formed  in  line  of  sections  at 
such  interval  as  may  be  necessary,  each  section  in  the  forma- 
tion prescribed  for  the  section  in  action. 

The  platoon  sergeant  supervises  the  operations  of  the  supply 
divisions,  and  for  that  purpose  usually  consolidates  the  supply 
divisions  of  the  two  sections,  under  the  two  off  packers,  for  the 
necessary  trips  to  and  from  the  supply  depots. 

THE  PLATOON,  BEING  IN  LINE,  WITHOUT  PACKS,  TO 
FORM  WITH  PACKS. 

128.  The  platoon  commander  marches  the  platoon  to  a  point 
conveniently  near  where  its  equipments  are  secured  and  com- 
mands :  1.  Sections  opposite  your  equipments,  2.  MARCH. 

t  the  command  MARCH,  each  chief  of  section  marches  his 
section  to  a  point  adjacent  to  its  equipments  and  forms  it  in  line 
facing  toward  the  equipments. 

The  platoon  commander  may  now  cause  the  platoon  to  saddle 
and  pack  in  detail  by  giving  the  same  commands  prescribed  for 


46  DRILL  OF  THE  PLATOON. 

the  section,  successively;  or  he  may  cause  the  whole  operation 
of  loading  out  to  be  completed  by  the  single  command:  SADDLE 
AND  PACK. 
The  latter  method  is  customary  in  a  well-instructed  platoon. 

129.  When  the  sections  have  been  formed  with  packs  as  pre- 
scribed under  "  The  Section,"  the  platoon  sergeant  takes  position 
near  the  place  to  be  occupied  by  the  gun  mule  of  the  right 
section  and   supervises  the  formation   of  the  platoon   in   line. 
When  it  is  completed  he  takes  his  post. 

The  platoon  commander  takes  his  post.  If  he  desires  a  report 
he  commands:  REPORT. 

The  chiefs  of  section  in  turn  salute  and  report  as  prescribed 
for  the  formation  of  the  platoon  in  line  without  packs. 

If  the  formation  occur  without  preliminary  report,  as  pre- 
scribed for  the  formation  of  the  platoon  without  packs,  the 
platoon  sergeant  will  receive  the  reports  of  the  chiefs  of  section 
and  report  to  the  platoon  commander  before  taking  his  post. 

130.  When  so  directed  the  platoon  may  be  formed  in  column, 
in  such  order  as  may  be  designated  by  the  platoon  commander. 
In  this  case  the  post  of  the  platoon  commander  is  opposite  the 
middle  of  the  column  on  the  near  side  at  an  interval  of  4  yards. 

The  post  of  the  platoon  sergeant  is  in  rear  of  the  column. 
The  supply  train  or  wagon  takes  such  position  as  may  be 
designated  by  proper  authority.     (Plate  XIII.) 

131.  On  route  inarches,  when  the  roads  are  favorable,  the 
platoon  may  be  marched  in  column  of  sections,  each  section  in 
route  order,  by  the  command :  1.  Route  order,  2.  MARCH. 

Each  section  marches  as  prescribed  in  formation  for  route 
marches  under  "  The  Section,"  or  as  otherwise  directed  by  the 
platoon  commander. 

The  platoon  commander  takes  station  at  the  head  of  the 
column. 

132.  Marching   at  route   order,   posts  are   resumed  by   the 
command :  1.  Platoon  attention,  2.  POST  or  POSTS. 

TO  DISMISS  THE  PLATOON. 

133.  The  platoon  is  inarched  to  the  place  where  its  equip- 
ments are  to  be  secured  and  dismissed  by  the  same  commands 
and  means  as  prescribed  for  "Dismissal  of  the  Section."     (Tar. 
108.) 


PLATE  XIII. 


1st,  section 


2nd  section 


Q 
Q 
0 
0 
Q 


Platoon  commander  a 

a 


THE  PLATOON  IN  COLUMN. 
PAR.  130. 

Platoon  sergeant 


0 
D 
Q 
Q 
Q 


DRILL  OF   THE   PLATOON.  47 

134.  These  commands  will  be  given  habitually  in  the  pre- 
scribed order,  and  inspection  will  be  made  habitually  by  the 
platoon  commander  before  the  platoon  falls  in  to  be  marched  to 
quarters   without   packs.     The   dismissal   of   the   platoon   will 
not  be  shortened  by  giving  the  command  as  one  order,  turning 
the  platoon  over  to  the  platoon  sergeant,  and  leaving  the  in- 
spection to  be  made  by  him.     On  the  contrary,  the  line  up  will 
be  formed,  the  equipments  secured,  mules  and  equipment  duly 
inspected  in  every  case  by  the  platoon  commander  in  person. 
The  importance  of  this  duty  is  so  great  that  it  must  always  be 
performed  with  great  care,  not  merely  to  prevent  the  loss  of 
equipment  or  fix  the  responsibility  for  its  loss,  but  also  that 
due  care  shall  be  given  to  the  animals  and  all  cases  of  injury 
properly  treated  at  once. 

After  the  equipments  are  secured  the  platoon  falls  in  without 
packs  and  may  be  marched  to  its  quarters  and  dismissed  by  the 
platoon  sergeant. 

TO  MANEUVER  THE  PLATOON  WITH  PACKS. 

135.  The  platoon,  in  any  formation,  advances,  marches  to 
the  rear,  marches  by  the  flank,  or  obliques  and  resumes  the  direct 
march,  and  halts  by  the  same  commands  and  means  as  pre- 
scribed for  the  section,  substituting  the  word  "  Platoon "  for 
the  word  "  Section  "  in  the  commands  prescribed  under  "  The 
Section." 

When  marching  in  line  the  guide  will  always  be  announced  by 
the  platoon  commander. 

The  principles  governing  rests,  halts  in  place  to  correct  mis- 
takes, execution  of  movements  from  a  halt  or  at  an  increased 
gait,  and  announcement  of  the  guide,  are  the  same  as  those  pre- 
scribed in  the  Infantry  Drill  Regulations. 

During  any  change  of  direction,  or  successive  formation,  the 
base  element  is  the  guide  until  the  completion  of  the  movement, 
when  the  guide  will  ^ be  announced. 

BEING  IN  LINE,  TO  MARCH  TO  THE  FRONT.   ^ 

136.  1.  Forward,  2.  MARCH,  3.  Guide  (Right  or  Left). 

The  movement  is  executed  by  each  section  as  prescribed  for 
"The  Section." 


48  DRILL   OF   THE   PLATOON. 

BEING  IN  LINE,  AT  A  HALT,  TO  FORM  COLUMN  TO  THE  FRONT. 

137.  1.  Right  (left),  by  section,  2.  MARCH. 

The  chief  of  the  right  section  commands:  Forward. 

The  chief  of  the  other  section  commands:  1.  Forward,  2. 
COLUMN  RIGHT  (LEFT). 

All  chiefs  of  section  repeat  the  command :  MARCH. 

The  right  section  moves  forward.  The  left  section  changes 
direction  first  to  the  right  and  then  to  the  left  at  the  command 
of  its  chief,  in  time  to  follow  in  the  trace  of  the  first  section. 
(Plate  XIV.) 

BEING  IN  LINE,  AT  A  HALT,  TO  FORM  COLUMN  TO  THE  FLANK. 

138.  1.  Sections,  2.  Forward  column  right  (left),  3.  MARCH. 
Each    chief    of    section    repeats    the    commands,    which    are 

executed  as  prescribed  for  "  The  Section." 

BEING  IN  COLUMN,  TO  FORM  LINE  TO  THE  FRONT. 

139.  1.  Left  (or  right)  front  into  line,  2.  MARCH. 

If  at  a  halt,  the  chief  of  the  leading  section  commands :  STAND 
FAST. 

If  on  the  march  the  chief  of  the  first  section  commands: 
Section,  in  time  to  add  the  command  HALT,  when  the  platoon 
commander  commands  MARCH. 

The  chief  of  the  rear  section  moves  his  section  forward, 
changing  direction  sufficiently  to  the  left  to  enable  him,  by 
another  change  of  direction  to  the  right,  to  reach  his  proper 
position  on  the  line,  and  halts  his  section  upon  reaching  its 
proper  position.  (Plate  XV.) 

BEING  IN  COLUMN,  AT  A  HALT,  TO  FORM  LINE  TO  THE  FLANK 
AND  CONTINUE  THE  MARCH. 

140.  1.   Sections,    2.    Forward   column    right    (left),   3.   MARCH, 
4.  GUIDE  RIGHT  (LEFT). 

The  movement  is  executed  by  each  section  as  prescribed 
under  "  The  Section." 

141.  If  it  be  desired  to  form  line  to  the  flank  from  column 
and  halt  on  the   same  ground,   the  platoon  commander  com- 
mands: 1.  Sections  right  (left),  2.  MARCH. 


PLATE  XIV. 


r» 


RIGHT  BY  SECTION.     PAR.  137. 


If    ' 

A 

0 

ON 

Q 

Q  X 

hj 

D 

D     N 

D 

Q 

Q 

PLATE  XV. 


Q 
Q 

\ 


\ 

D 

D 

.,   Q 
\Q 


LEFT  FRONT  INTO  LINE.     PAR.  139, 


0 


Q 
Q 


PLATE  XVI  -_ ~ ----- ->  r — ->  r — >  r — \  r > 

X  u— ~/  h...—/  u..~.y  i.....y  i ^ 


/D 
/D 


D 
D 
Q 
D 


ON  RIGHT  INTO  LINE. 
PAR.  142. 


DRILL   OF   THE   PLATOON.  49 

The  movement  is  performed  in  each  section  as  prescribed 
under  "  The  Section." 

BEING  IN  COLUMN,   TO  FORM  ON  RIGHT   OR   LEFT  INTO   LINE. 

142.  1.  On  right  (left)  into  line,  2.  MARCH,  3.  PLATOON  HALT. 

At  the  command  MARCH,  the  leading  section  executes  column 
right  as  prescribed  for  "  The  Section  "  and  halts  at  the  com- 
mand of  the  platoon  commander. 

The  rear  section  moves  forward  at  the  command  MARCH, 
passes  beyond  the  ground  on  which  the  leading  section  changed 
direction,  and,  when  opposite  its  place  in  the  new  line,  executes 
column  right  by  direction  of  its  chief. 

The  rear  section  is  halted  by  the  Chief  of  Section  when  it 
reaches  its  proper  position.  (Plate  XVI.) 

BEING  IN  COLUMN,    TO   CHANGE  DIRECTION. 

143.  1.  Column  Right  (Left,  Half  Right,  Half  Left),  2.  MARCH. 

Executed  by  the  first  section  as  prescribed  for  "  The  Section." 
The  rear  section  follows  in  the  trace  of  the  first  section. 

If  at  a  halt  the  necessary  commands  for  putting  the  column 
in  march  form  part  of  the  preliminary  command. 

BEING   IN   LINE,    TO    CHANGE   DIRECTION   AND    CONTINUE    THE 

MARCH. 

144.  1.  Platoon  Right  Turn,  2.  MARCH,  3.  GUIDE  RIGHT  (LEFT). 

The  chief  of  the  pivot  section  commands:  Column  Right,  and 
repeats  the  command  MARCH. 

The  chief  of  the  section  on  the  marching  flank  gives  the  neces- 
sary command  for  conducting  his  section  at  an  increased  gait 
to  its  proper  place  on  the  line  and  reducing  its  gait  to  conform 
to  the  base  section  after  reaching  his  position. 

145.  If  it  be  desired  to  change  front  to  the  right  without 
gaining  ground  the  chief  of  platoon  commands :  1.  Platoon  Right, 
2.  MARCH. 

The  base  section  executes  Sect/on  Right  as  prescribed  for  the 
section.     The  section  on  the  marching  flank  is  conducted  by  the 
chief  of  section  to  its  proper  position  and  halted. 
7230 in 4 


50  DRILL  OF   THE  PLATOON. 

BEING  IN  LINE  OR  COLUMN,  TO  CHANGE  THE  DIRECTION  OF  THE 
MARCH  TO  THE  REAR. 

146.  The  Chief  of  Platoon  commands:   1.   Countermarch,  2. 
MARCH. 

If  in  line  he  adds  the  command  :  Guide  Right  for  Left). 
The  movement  is  executed  by  each  section  as  prescribed  for 
"The  Section." 

BEING  IN  LINE  OR  COLUMN,  TO  FACE  TO  THE  REAR  WITHOUT 
GAINING  GROUND. 

147.  The  Chief  of  Platoon  commands:  1.  Sections,  2.  Right 
(Left)  About,  3.  MARCH. 

The  movement  is  executed  as  prescribed  for  "  The  Section." 

BEING  IN  LINE,  TO  CLOSE  OR  EXTEND  INTERVALS. 

148.  1.  On  (Such)  Section,  2.  To  (So  Many)  Yards,  Close  (Ex- 
tend), 3.  MARCH. 

If  at  a  halt,  the  base  section  stands  fast.  The  other  section 
is  marched  by  the  flank,  obliqued  to  the  rear,  marched  to  the 
front  when  at  the  proper  interval,  and  halted  abreast  of  the 
base  section. 

If  on  the  march,  the  base  section  continues  the  march  at  the 
same  gait ;  the  other  section  changes  the  direction  of  the  march 
toward  or  from  the  base  section  until  the  head  of  the  column 
gains  the  proper  interval  and  then  marches  to  the  front.  The 
base  section  is  halted  by  the  platoon  commander  at  the  desired 
position  by  the  command :  Platoon  Halt.  The  other  section  halts 
on  reaching  its  place  on  the  line. 

If  the  movement  is  to  be  executed  without  a  halt,  the  platoon 
commander  puts  the  platoon  in  march  and  indicates  increased 
gait  in  his  preparatory  command.  The  base  section  continues 
the  march.  The  other  section  takes  up  the  increased  gait  and 
conforms  to  the  gait  of  the  base  section  on  reaching  its  place 
in  line. 

FORMATION  FOR  ACTION. 

149.  The  platoon  commander  indicates  to  each  chief  of  sec- 
tion the  position  to  be  occupied  by  his  section,  and  commands: 
ACTION  FRONT  (REAR,  RIGHT  OR  LEFT). 


DRILL  OF  THE  PLATOON.  51 

The  movement  is  executed  as  prescribed  for  the  section. 

150.  In  all  movements  where  elements  of  the  platoon  reach  a 
position  successively  the  platoon  commander  may  cause  the  rear 
element  to  move  at  an  increased  gait  by  giving  proper  command 
for  that  purpose.     The  base  element  stands  fast,  or  continues 
the  march.     The  rear  elements  conform  to  the  gait  of  the  base 
element  by  command  of  the  chief  of  section,  on  reaching  their 
proper  position. 

151.  All  the  movements  prescribed  for  the  section  may  be 
executed  simultaneously  by  command  of  the  platoon  commander, 
prefixing  the  command  Sections  to  the  preparatory  command, 
and  announcing  the  guide  when  necessary. 

MOVEMENTS  OF  THE  PLATOON  COMBINED  WITH  INFANTRY. 

152.  When  the  infantry  is  in  line: 

The  post  of  the  platoon  is  in  line  24  yards  to  the  left  of  the 
left  element  of  infantry. 

When  the  infantry  is  in  column : 

The  pest  of  the  platoon  is  in  column  with  the  head  of  the 
column  24  yards  in  rear  of  the  last  element  of  the  column  of 
infantry. 

When  the  infantry  is  closed  in  mass : 

The  post  of  the  platoon  is  in  line  24  yards  in  rear  of  the  rear 
element  of  infantry. 

When  the  battalion  is  in  line  of  columns  at  close  interval : 

The  post  of  the  platoon  is  in  column  on  the  flank,  at  an 
interval  of  24  yards. 

MOVEMENTS   OF   THE  PLATOON  AT  DRILL    WITH  AN  INFANTRY 
COMMAND. 

153.  The  movements  of  the  platoon,  when  maneuvered  with 
infantry,  conform  to  the  movements  of  the  infantry,  and  are 
executed  at  the  command  of  the  platoon  commander. 


CHAPTEK  VII. 
ARRANGEMENT  OF  EQUIPMENT. 

154.  In  Garrison. — Each  mule's  equipment  should  be  kept  to- 
gether and  the  whole  equipment  placed  in  numerical  order  by 
section.     Each  article  of  the  equipment  should  be  plainly  marked 
with  the  number  of  the  pack  to  which  it  belongs.     The  saddles 
and  loads  should  be  off  the  ground  for  obvious  reasons.     If 
placed  on   a  bench  about  30  inches  from  the  ground   it  will 
facilitate  handling  in  packing  and  unpacking. 

155.  Sufficient  interval  between  packs  must  be  provided  to 
allow  convenient  handling.     The  loads  should  be  placed  in  the 
rear  or  at  the  side  of  the  aparejos  so  as  not  to  be  in  the  way 
when    saddling   and   unsaddling.     If   practicable,    the   place   of 
storage  for  saddles  and  loads  should  be  the  same,  and  so  ar- 
ranged that  the  mules  may  be  led  directly  to  and  from  the 
storeroom. 

THE   APAREJO. 

156.  The  arrangement  of  the  saddle  equipment  should  be  as 
follows : 

The  aparejo  with  Rice  frame,  cover  and  crupper  attached, 
resting  on  its  boots,  crupper  to  the  rear ;  the  gas-pipe  end  of  the 
cinch  passed  through  the  frame  from  the  near  to  the  off  side 
(seam  up)  and  folded  back  smoothly  from  each  side  on  top  of 
the  frame ;  the  corona,  folded,  rounded  edges  to  the  front,  num- 
ber up,  placed  on  top  of  the  frame,  and  on  it  placed  the  bridle, 
blind,  and  lariat. 

To  protect  these  articles  from  dust,  etc.,  the  paulin  may  be 
thrown  over  each  pack  and  secured  by  passing  the  thongs  under- 
neath the  aparejo  and  tying  the  ends  of  each  together. 

The  hangers,  with  their  loads  lashed  in  place,  are  not  neces- 
sarily covered. 

Tools  and  other  boxes  are  placed  with  the  loads  to  which  they 
belong. 

The  guns  and  tripods  are  kept  in  their  respective  hangers, 
and,  except  for  some  good  reason,  are  kept  with  the  gun  packs. 
Conditions  might  exist  which  would  make  it  advisable  to  store 
the  guns,  tools,  and  small  articles  separate  from  the  packs. 
52 


ARRANGEMENT  OF   EQUIPMENT.  53 

The  cargo  and  belly  cinches  should  be  placed  with  the  load  to 
which  each  belongs. 

The  number  of  each  pack  should  be  placed  above  the  space 
allotted  to  it,  and  the  number  of  each  section  placed  above  the 
center  of  the  space  allotted  to  it. 

The  horse  equipment  of  the  mounted  men  should  be  hung  on 
suitable  pegs,  each  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  packs  of  the 
section  or  platoon  to  which  the  men  belong. 

157.  In  Camp. — The  aparejos  of  each  section  should  be  ar- 
ranged in  numerical  order,  fronting  the  picket  line,  about  10 
yards  from  and  parallel  to  it;  the  center  aparejo  being  in  rear 
of  the  center  of  the  space  allotted  to  that  section;   each  load 
directly  in  rear  of  its  corresponding  aparejo;  the  bridle,  etc., 
belonging  to  each  aparejo  placed  on  top,  as  in  garrison.     If  prac- 
ticable, the  loads  and  aparejos  should  be  raised  slightly  from 
the  ground. 

Each  gun  should  be  mounted  and  placed  on  the  flank  of  the 
section  to  which  it  belongs,  adjacent  to  the  gun  pack  and  point- 
ing toward  the  the  picket  line,  except  during  inclement  weather 
or  at  night,  when  they  should  be  under  cover  if  practicable. 

The  horse  equipment  of  the  mounted  men  should  be  on  a  line 
with  and  close  to  the.  aparejos  of  the  section  to  which  they 
belong. 

THE    ENGLISH   PACK   OUTFIT. 

158.  The  entire  outfit  may  be  stored  in  the  place  provided 
for  that  purpose,  laid  out  and  carefully  arranged  in  the  follow- 
ing order,  viz : 

From  entrance  to  rear  of  stall  or  store  room — 

First  peg. — Blind;  hung  from  top  loop,  stencil  mark  to  the 
front. 

Second  peg. — Halter  bridle ;  reins,  lead  strap,  and  crown  piece 
on  the  peg,  with  brow  band  to  the  front ;  rings  hanging 
evenly. 

Third  peg. — Picket  line  hung  by  the  ring;  picket  pin  without 
the  coil. 

Fourth  peg. — Load  cincha  in  rear  of  pack  saddle  when  not 
being  used. 

Fifth  peg. — Breast  band  and  pack  saddles. 

Ammunition  boxes  and  hangers. — On  waist-high  shelves  be- 
tween third  peg  and  pack  saddle  sawhorse,  off-side  load 
nearest  front  of  stall,  hanger  loops  to  the  rear. 


54  ARRANGEMENT   OF   EQUIPMENT. 

Pack  saddle. — On  pack-saddle  sawhorse  with  cinchas  resting 
on  top  of  the  top  frame,  latigo  straps  folded  2  feet  from 
the  ends  and  caught  in  near-side  front  hanger  hook;  breech- 
ing and  crupper  folded  over  on  top  frame  and  showing  to 
the  front. 

Blanket. — Folded  on  top  of  all,  folded  edge  on  near  side;  top 
fold  near  corner  folded  over  to  center  of  near-side  folded 
edge. 
Belly  cincha. — Attached  by  latigo  strap  to  the  D  ring  of  the 

off-side  hanger  (when  used  without  top-load  cincha). 
Paulin. — Attached  to  rear  legs  of  the  pack-saddle  sawhorse, 

covering  the  whole  and  tied  with  a  slipknot  in  front. 
In  camp  the  arrangement  of  the  pack  outfit  may  be  as  fol- 
lows: Ammunition  boxes  on  the  ground  or  raised  on  two  cross 
sticks,  hanger  loops  together,  the  near-side  load  being  slightly 
in  advance  of  the  other  in  order  to  get  closer;  pack  saddles 
and  blanket  arranged  as  prescribed  in  garrison  and  placed 
astride  the  load.  Load  cincha,  if  carried,  on  top  of  the  ammu- 
nition boxes;  blind,  bridle,  and  breast  strap  on  top  of  blanket. 
Pa ul in  over  all  and  tied  down  with  slipknots. 

GUN    AND    TRIPOD. 

159.  The  gun    (covered)    and  tripod   may  be  kept   in  the 
hangers  and  hung  in  the  storeroom  when  not  in  use.     This  is 
to  keep  the  gun  free  from  dust  and  to  prevent  rusting. 

In  camp  it  will  be  kept  mounted  and  covered  or  in  the  hang- 
ers, and  in  such  places  as  the  commander  shall  designate. 

SUPPLY  CHEST  AND  OTHER  STORES. 

160.  The  supply  chest  and  other  stores  will  be  kept  in  the 
storeroom  and  arranged  in  a  convenient  and  orderly  manner. 

Supplies  and  necessary  material  will  be  obtained  from  the 
sergeant. 

The  filling  cups  will  be  attached  in  rear  of  the  top  frame  of 
the  first  pack  in  each  section,  where  they  will  be  kept  at  all 
times  except  when  in  use  in  the  service  of  the  piece. 

Gun  covers  will  be  kept  on  the  guns,  except  when  the  guns 
are  in  use. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 
THE  MACHINE-GUN  PLATOON  IN  THE  FIELD. 

161.  The  precepts  found  in  the  Drill  Regulations  of  the  three 
arms  and  in  the  Field  Service  Regulations  in  regard  to  marches, 
camps,   and   combat  may  be  accepted  as  applying  with  equal 
force  to  machine-gun  organizations. 

MARCHES. 

162.  On  the  march  the  machine-gun  commander  is  confronted 
with  an  additional  problem   which  is  not  met  with  in  other 
arms.     Part  of  his  command  is  composed  of  men  on  foot,  whose 
rate  of  march,  if  they  carry  the  infantryman's  load,  can  not 
greatly  exceed  that  of  infantry,  and  who  should  be  allowed  the 
usual  ten  minutes'  rest  per  hour. 

On  the  other  hand,  he  has  in  his  column  10  pack  mules.  The 
gait  of  the  well-trained,  well-seasoned  pack  mule  is  the  run- 
ning walk  and  will  average  over  4  miles  per  hour. 

To  lessen  the  probability  of  sore  backs,  the  pack  mules  should 
be  marched  at  a  steady  gait  and  with  as  few  halts  as  possible. 

To  reconcile  these  two  conflicting  requirements  is  the  ma- 
chine-gun commander's  problem  on  the  march. 

163.  When  the  machine-gun  unit  is  marching  with  an   in- 
fantry command  and  is  assigned  a  position  in  the  column,  it 
must  of  course  conform  to  the  gait  of  the  infantry.     Such  a 
gait  is  very  trying  to  pack  animals,  as  the  loads  do  not  ride  so 
easily  as  when  the  mule  can  travel  at  the  running  walk. 

In  view  of  this  fact,  machine-gun  units  should  never  form  an 
integral  part  of  an  infantry  column  on  "ordinary  marches." 
(F.  S.  R.) 

164.  In  marches  in  campaign,  and  marches  into  action,  tac- 
tical considerations  are  of  paramount  importance,  and  machine 
guns  are  assigned  their  place  in  column  solely  with  a  view  to 
their  most  effective  use  in  action. 

165.  The  route  march  will  habitually  be  in  column  of  sec- 
tions in  route  order. 

55 


56  MARCHES. 

When  broad  highways  will  permit,  the  column  may  be 
shortened  by  marching  in  line  at  close  interval. 

When  contact  with  the  enemy  is  not  imminent,  the  fatigue 
and  discomfort  of  the  dismounted  men  may  be  greatly  lessened 
by  causing  them  all  to  march  together  in  column  (fours  or 
twos),  followed  by  the  packers  and  the  pack  mules  in  column 
of  sections. 

When  road  space  permits,  the  comfort  of  the  men  may  be 
further  materially  increased  by  causing  them  to  march  at 
single  rank  distance,  the  distance  to  the  pack  train  and  be- 
tween sections  of  the  pack  train  also  being  increased. 

When  contact  with  the  enemy  is  expected,  the  men  will 
habitually  be  required  to  march  at  their  posts. 

166.  The  average  march  of  a  dismounted  machine  gun  pla- 
toon is  from  18  to  25  miles  a  day. 

With  seasoned  mules  the  length  of  forced  marches  depends 
solely  upon  the  endurance  of  the  dismounted  men. 

Forced  marches  by  machine-gun  platoons  will  more  often  be 
marches  of  under  10  miles  in  length  and  will  usually  arise 
from  the  necessity  of  occupying  a  certain  position  within  a 
given  time. 

To  enable  the  dismounted  men  to  cover  short  distances  at 
relatively  high  rates  of  speed,  they  are  not  required  to  carry  a 
rifle,  and  their  blanket  rolls  are  carried  by  the  pack  mules  of 
the  supply  division  of  their  section.  ^ 

To'  further  increase  their  marching  ability,  the  men  should 
be  carefully  taught  and  constantly  practiced  in  the  flexion 
walk,  but  their  gait  should  never  be  so  fast  as  to  require  a 
run  of  any  kind. 

WThen  the  men  become  proficient  in  this  method  of  locomotion 
they  will  be  able  to  keep  up  with  the  pack  mule's  running 
walk  without  distress  of  wind  or  limb. 

167.  One  of  the  most  important  duties  of  the  platoon  com- 
mander on  the  march  is  the  strict  supervision  of  the  distribu- 
tion of  the  pack  animals'  loads. 

168.  The  following  is  the  usual  distribution  of  loads,  which 
will  be  modified  by  order  of  the  platoon  commander  as  cir- 
cumstances require: 


MARCHES. 


Combat  Division 


Gun. 
Tripod. 

First  mule Tool  box. 

2  ammunition  boxes. 
Spare  barrels  and  cases. 
Filling  cup. 
7  ammunition  boxes. 
2  water  boxes. 

1  hatchet. 
Second  mule 1  wire  cutter. 

2  shovels. 

1  pick  mattock. 

1  signal  flag,  2-foot  kit. 

6  ammunition  boxes. 

Third  mule 2  water  boxes. 

4  blanket  rolls. 

1  sledge  hammer. 

6  ammunition  boxes. 

2  water  boxes. 
Supply  Division \  Fourth  mule 3  blanket  rolls. 

Platoon  sergeant's  roll  by  one  section,  the 
picket  pins  by  the  other. 

7  ammunition  boxes. 
1  belt  filler. 

Fifth  mule 3  blanket  rolls. 

Rigging  covers  by  one  section,  picket  line 
by  the  other. 

169.  On  ordinary  marches,  i.  e.,  when  the  machine  guns  are 
marching  alone,  the  conduct  of  the  march  should  be  governed 
by  the  following: 

1.  The  start  should  not  be  made  earlier  than  an  hour  after 
sunrise.    This  is  especially  applicable  when  grazing  is  depended 
upon. 

As  animals  will  rarely  drink  freely  at  an  earlier  hour,  the 
necessity  of  watering  before  taking  the  road  will  prohibit  an 
earlier  start. 

In  extreme  southern  or  tropical  latitudes  this  will  of  necessity 
have  to  be  modified  and  an  earlier  start  made  in  order  to 
avoid  marching  in  the  heat  of  the  day.  In  this  case  advantage 
must  be  taken  of  every  opportunity  to  water  the  animals  during 
the  march. 

2.  As  soon  as  the  column  reaches  the  road  the  route  order  is 
taken. 

If  the  gun  and  ammunition  squads  of  the  two  sections  are  con- 
solidated and  march  together,  they  are  under  the  immediate 
supervision  of  the  senior  chief  of  section. 

The  pack  train  is  under  the  immediate  supervision  of  the 
platoon  sergeant. 


58  MARCHES. 

The  platoon  commander  takes  post  where  he  can  best  super- 
vise the  march  of  the  whole. 

3.  At  the  oiid  of  the  first  half  or  three-quarters  of  an  hour  on 
the  road,  a  halt  of  about  ten  minutes  is  made  to  allow  the  men  to 
relieve  themselves,  to  permit  tightening  of  cinchas,  and  to  adjust 
the  loads  if  necessary. 

The  march  is  then  resumed,  and  in  each  succeeding  hour  the 
platoon  marches  fifty-live  minutes  and  halts  for  five  minutes. 
Advantage  is  taken  of  the  halts  to  tighten  cinchas  and  lashings 
and  to  readjust  saddles  and  loads. 

170.  In  marches  over  a   rugged  country  the  animals  must 
be  unlinked  and,  if  there  is  no  bell  horse  provided,  a  man  de- 
tailed  to    lead   each   animal.      The    gun    mule    is   always   led. 
Animals  must  not  be  hurried  in  making  steep  ascents  or  de- 
scents, and,  especially  in  long  uphill  work,  frequent  halts  must 
be  made  to  enable  both  man  and  beast  to  regain  their  wind. 
These  halts  are  never  made  at  the  will  of  individuals,  however, 
but  are  made  by  order  of  the  platoon  commander,  who  regulates 
them  according  to  his  judgment  and  discretion. 

In  marches  over  rough  country,  and  also  in  marches  on  narrow 
trails  or  through  defiles,  the  platoon  commander,  with  two  or 
more  men  detailed  to  accompany  him,  usually  precedes  the  col- 
umn in  order  to  take  timely  note  of  any  bad  places  in  the  trail, 
causes  obstructions  to  be  removed,  and  makes  such  provisions  as 
may  be  necessary  to  guard  against  accident  and  also  against 
any  interruption  of  the  march. 

171.  In   fording   streams   men    should  be   stationed   on   the 
downstream  side  to  keep  the  animals  well  up  and  clear  of  ob- 
stacles or  poor  footing. 

If  the  crossing  is  too  deep  for  fording,  the  material  is  taken 
across  on  rafts  and  the  animals  required  to  swim. 

Men  in  boats  or  on  rafts  should  be  posted  on  the  downstream 
Fide  to  keep  the  animals  clear  of  obstacles  and  to  aid  the  weak 
swimmers  if  necessary. 

172.  When  streams  are  crossed  on  pontoon  or  flying  bridges, 
the  animals  are  unlinked  and  a  leader  assigned  to  each.     They 
are  led  on  the  bridge  one  at  a  time,  the  most  docile  ones  taking 
the  lead  in  order  to  encourage  the  more  timid. 

The  adjustment  of  saddles  and  loads  is  done  by  the  two 
1  lackers  who  march  in  rear  of  their  sections,  the  packers  in 
cadi  section  alternating  in  this  duty  from  day  to  day. 


MARCHES.  59 

173.  When  a  pack  requires  adjustment,  the  packer  in  whose 
section  the  animal  belongs  calls  to  the  other  packer,  unlinks  the 
mule,  if  other  than  the  leading  mule,  and  then  continues  the 
march,  keeping  the  mule  in  his  place  in  column. 

The  second  packer  leaves  his  section,  and,  if  the  mule  be  other 
than  the  first  or  last,  unlinks  the  mule  in  rear  and  calls  Clear. 

When  the  second  packer  calls  Clear,  the  first  packer  leads  the 
mule,  whose  pack  is  to  be  adjusted,  quickly  out  of  the  column, 
on  the  near  side  if  practicable,  and,  if  possible,  continues  the 
march  abreast  of  the  section  until  the  second  packer  joins  him. 

The  second  packer,  as  soon  as  the  mule  has  been  cut  out  of 
the  column,  leads  forward  the  mule  that  he  has  unlinked,  at 
an  increased  gait,  and  links  him  to  the  rear  mule  of  those  in 
front.  He  then  joins  the  first  packer.  The  two  packers  now 
lead  the  mule  clear  of  the  column  so  that  the  march  of  any 
troops  in  rear  may  not  be  delayed,  and  then  adjust  the  load  as 
required. 

As  soon  as  the  load  is  adjusted  they  return  the  mule  to  his 
place  in  column  as  quickly  as  possible  and  resume  their  posts. 

If  it  is  the  first  mule  that  needs  attention,  the  first  packer, 
after  calling  to  the  packer  in  the  other  section,  takes  the  leading 
rein  from  the  other  packer  in  his  own  section,  who  now  falls 
back,  unlinks  the  second  mule,  and  calls  Clear.  The  first  packer 
now  cuts  the  mule  out  of  the  column  and  continues  the  march 
as  before. 

Should  the  last  mule  be  the  one  that  needs  attention,  the  first 
packer  calls  to  the  second,  unlinks  the  mule,  cuts  him  out  of 
column,  and  continues  the  march  until  the  second  packer  joins 
him,  when  they  proceed  as  before. 

The  following  extract  from  "  Pack  Transportation,"  by  Mr. 
H.  W.  Daly,  Chief  Packer,  U.  S.  Army,  is  worthy  of  special 
note: 

"  Blind  the  animal,  loosen  the  lash  rope,  and  straighten  the 
load  as  quickly  as  possible.  Do  not  detain  him  a  moment 
longer  than  is  necessary.  The  animal  knows  how  far  he  has 
to  travel  to  catch  up  and  work  back  to  place  in  the  train. 
Packers  should  bear  this  in  mind. 

"  Eager  to  get  back  to  place  in  the  train,  the  animal  will  become 
unmanageable  and  be  apt  to  throw  his  load.  Should  the  animal 
break  away  before  his  load  is  straightened,  he  is  certain  to 
throw  it,  and  then,  running  through  the  train,  dragging  the  lash 


60  MARCHES. 

rope  after  him,  he  will  scare  others  in  the  train  and  perhaps 
cause  other  packs  to  fall  off. 

"  The  animal  will  stand  a  reasonable  time,  but  no  longer. 
The  animal,  having  once  broken  away,  the  'bell'  animal  has 
to  be  stopped,  the  animal  caught,  led  back,  and  its  load  put 
on;  three  packers  are  needed,  one  to  hold  him  while  the  others 
put  on  the  load. 

"  Certainly  no  good  packer  will  cause  such  trouble  and  delay. 
Packers  can  not  be  termed  first  class  if  loads  fall  off  while 
traveling;  attention  must  constantly  be  given  to  animals  and 
their  packs." 

174.  On  strategical  marches,  i.  e.,  "marches  in  campaign" 
and  "  inarches  into  action,"  the  post  of  the  platoon  commander 
is  usually  with  the  commander  of  the  force  with  which  his 
platoon   is  acting.     He  remains  with   said  commander  during 
his  preliminary  reconnaissance  of  the  enemy's  position  unless 
otherwise   directed,    and    rejoins   his   platoon    upon    receipt    of 
orders  to  conduct  it  into  action. 

Before  reporting  to  and  accompanying  the  commanding  offi- 
cer he  conducts  the  platoon  to  its  proper  position  in  column 
at  the  designated  place  and  hour,  transmits  to  the  platoon  ser- 
geant all  orders  he  may  have  received  relative  to  the  conduct 
of  the  march  and  the  probable  role  to  be  played  by  the  platoon 
during  the  impending  action,  and  adds  such  cautions  or  in- 
structions as  he  may  deem  expedient. 

175.  The  following  additional  precautions  must  be  observed 
when  marching  with  an  infantry  column  : 

1.  As  the  infantry  usually  makes  an  earlier  start  than  is  best 
for  the  pack  mules,  the  questions  of  forage  and  water  become 
of  great  concern.     The  animals  should  be  kept  on  herd  during 
every  available  moment,  and  not  be  brought  in  to  be  saddled  and 
loaded  a  minute  earlier  than  will  insure  the  platoon  being  in 
its  proper  place  in  column  at  the  hour  appointed  for  the  start. 

The  platoon  commander  should  ascertain  in  advance,  if  prac- 
ticable, the  best  watering  places  en  route,  and,  with  the  con- 
sent of  the  commanding  officer,  should  direct  the  platoon  sergeant 
when,  where,  and  how  to  water  the  train. 

2.  The  slow  rate  of  march  will  probably  cause  the  animals 
to  crowd  upon  each  other  and,  if  not  constantly  held  back,  to 
crowd  on  the  heels  of  the  infantry  column. 


MARCHES.  61 

This  will  usually  necessitate  unlinking  the  mules  and  as- 
signing men  from  the  gun  and  ammunition  squads  as  leaders 
for  each. 

The  constant  holding  back  on  the  mules  is  very  fatiguing 
to  the  men  leading  them,  and  they  should  be  relieved  at  least 
every  hour,  if  practicable,  as  soon  as  the  "  Halt "  is  sounded, 
in  order  that  they  may  obtain  the  benefit  of  the  ten  minutes 
rest 

3.  During   the  hourly  halts  special  care  must  be  taken   to 
prevent  the  mules  from  rubbing  their  packs  against  each  other 
and  dislodging  them,  and  also  to  prevent  their  lying  down. 

During  long  marches,  or  marches  in  the  Tropics  in  the  heat 
of  the  day,  it  will  often  be  found  necessary  to  remove  the  side 
loads  at  every  halt  after  the  third  hour  on  the  road,  the  loads 
being  replaced  and  secured  in  time  to  move  out  promptly  when 
the  "  Forward  "  is  sounded. 

4.  If  the  infantry  halts  during  the  noon  hour  the  train  must 
be  parked  and  the  mules  allowed  to  roll  and,  if  practicable,  to 
graze  also. 

5.  Should  any  unusual  delay   occur  in  the   progress  of  the 
march  the  platoon  commander  will  ascertain  its  probable  du- 
ration, and,  if  the  time  and  circumstances  appear  to  warrant 
it.  will  cause  his  train  to  be  parked,  as  prescribed  for  the  noon 
halt. 

176.  As  soon  as  the  day's  march  is  completed,  the  animals 
are  unloaded  and  unsaddled  as  expeditiously  as  possible. 

The  platoon  commander  makes  a  minute  inspection  of  all 
animals  as  soon  as  their  backs  are  bare  and  directs  the  platoon 
sergeant  to  detail  certain  packers  to  care  for  any  "  bunches  " 
or  abrasions  that  may  be  found. 

The  other  packers  immediately  clean  the  coronas  and  place 
them  to  dry. 

The  platoon  commander,  having  completed  his  inspection  for 
"  bunches,"  now  inspects  the  mules'  feet,  and  gives  the  neces- 
sary instructions  in  regard  to  shoeing  or  treatment,  according 
to  the  requirements  of  each  case. 

Having  seen  the  mules  properly  cared  for,  the  platoon  com- 
mander proceeds  to  a  thorough  inspection  of  saddles  and  equip- 
ments ;  causes  aparejos  to  be  replaced,  if  necessary ;  and  causes 
lost  or  broken  parts  to  be  replaced  or  repaired  without  delay. 


62  CAMPS. 

The  platoon  commander  shall,  before  starting  on  any  march, 
provide  as  far  as  possible  adequate  facilities  for  veterinary 
treatment,  horseshoeing,  and  saddle  repairing. 

177.  No   attempt   has   been   made  to   treat  of  the  subjects 
of  "  Packing  "  or  "  Care  of  Animals,"  in  regard  to  which  the 
platoon  commander  is  enjoined  to  study  carefully  "Pack  Trans- 
portation," by  Mr.  H.  W.  Daly,  chief  packer,  U.  S.  Army,  edi- 
tion 1908;   "Diseases  of  the  Horse,"  Agricultural  Department, 
1903;   and  "The  Army  Horse  in  Accident  and  Disease,''   Wai- 
Department,  Document  No.  274,  edition  1'JOG. 

CAMPS. 

VARIOUS  FORMS  OF  CAMPS. 

178.  The  camp  of  a  machine-gun  platoon,  not  in  the  presence 
of  the  enemy,  may  be  made  in  three  lines  if  deemed  advisable : 

(a)   The  line  of  tents. 

(&)   The  line  of  rigging  and  cargo. 

(c)  The  picket  line. 

179.  There  are  also  three  general  forms  of  camp: 
(a)   Permanent  or  standing  camp. 

(&)   The   camp    on    route    marches    where    space   is   not 

limited. 

(c)   The    camp    on    route    marches    where    space    is    re- 
stricted. 

The  two  latter  camps  are  made  either  with  conical-wall  or 
shelter  tents,  and  differ  only  in  the  arrangement  of  the  line  of 
rigging  and  cargo. 

180.  In  permanent  camps  conical-wall  tents  are  used  by  the 
men,  and  all  tents  are  floored  if  practicable. 

Store  tents  are  provided  as  shelter  for  the  men  at  meals  and 
for  the  rigging  and  cargo. 

The  picket  line  is  sheltered  with  paulins,  and  a  store  tent  or 
paulins  provided  for  the  shelter  of  forage. 

The  location  of  the  tents,  rigging,  and  picket  line,  the  arrange- 
ment of  the  camp,  and  the  intervals  and  distances  must  be  pre- 
scribed by  the  platoon  commander  after  duly  considering  the 
amount  of  space  available,  the  accidents  of  the  ground,  and  the 
instructions  received  from  the  commanding  officer.  The  line  of 
tents  always  faces  the  picket  line  when  the  platoon  is  encamped 
in  three  lines. 


CAMPS.  63 

181.  When  camped  with  an  infantry  command  the  platoon 
will  usually  be  assigned  to  camp  ground  at  the  head  or  rear 
of  the  column.     In  either  case  the  camp  of  the  platoon  is  so 
arranged  that  its  line  of  tents  is  next  the  infantry  camp,  at 
such  distance  therefrom  as  the  commanding  officer  may  designate. 
The  platoon  commander's  tent  is  on   line  with  those  of  the 
company  officers. 

The  platoon  kitchen  is  on  line  with  the  company  kitchens,  and 
the  platoon  sergeant's  tent  on  line  with  the  tents  of  the  first 
sergeants. 

182.  Where  space  permits,  the  camp  on  route  marches  will 
usually  have  a  form  suitable  to  that  for  permanent  camps. 

The  mess  tent,  gun  and  rigging-store  tent,  forage  tent,  shelter 
for  picket  line,  and  lavatory  are  not  used. 

When  the  platoon  is  encamped  in  three  lines,  the  rigging  and 
cargo  are  placed  between  the  tents  and  the  picket  line  and 
arranged  by  section  at  the  "  line  up "  with  an  interval  of  20 
yards  between  sections,  the  lines  of  rigging  being  perpendicular 
to  the  platoon  street. 

The  space  between  aparejos,  and  the  position  of  loads,  will  be 
regulated  by  the  platoon  commander  according  to  the  space 
available  and  the  style  of  rigging  and  cargo  covers  used. 

183.  When  space  is  restricted  the  route  camp  for  the  platoon 
may  be  arranged  with  the  rigging  in  a  single  line,  parallel  to 
the  line  of  tents,  and  the  distances  and  intervals  between  the 
different  parts  of  the  camp  reduced  as  required. 

184.  When  the  platoon  bivouacs  in  the  line  of  battle,  the 
platoon  commander,  the  chiefs  of  section,  and  the  gun  squads 
are  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  guns ;  the  platoon  sergeant 
and  the  ammunition   squads  at  the  ammunition   station :   the 
near  packers   with  the  pack   animals  of  the  combat  division 
under   the   nearest   available   cover ;   the   kitchen,    the   platoon 
wagon,  and  the  off  packers  with  the  pack  animals  of  the  supply 
divisions  under  such  suitable  cover  in  rear  of  the  line,  as  cir- 
cumstances may  dictate  or  proper  authority  direct. 

185.  In  permanent  or  route  camps  when  it  is  impracticable 
or   inadvisable   to   place   the  picket   line   near   the   camp   the 
packers  are  quartered  together  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the 
animals. 

TO  MAKE  CAMP. 

186.  Shortly   before  -arriving   at   the   site   selected   for   the 
camp,  the  platoon  commander  causes  the  men  to  resume  their 


64  CAMPS. 

posts,  and  leaders,  other  tliaii  the  packers,  to  be  assigned  to 
each  pack  mule. 

The  platoon  is  maneuvered  so  as  to  place  it  in  line  and  then 
halted  at  such  point  as  will  insure  the  "  line  up  "  being  in  the 
proper  place. 

The  platoon  commander  directs  the  packers  to  unload  the 
picket  line,  picket  pins,  and  sledges,  and  they  then  put  down 
the  picket  line  at  the  place  designated  by  the  platoon  com- 
mander. 

The  platoon  commander  now  commands :  LINE  UP. 

The  "  line  up "  is  established  by  each  section  as  prescribed 
in  paragraph  102,  the  packers  leading  the  mules  to  the  picket 
line  and  securing  them  there  as  soon  as  they  are  unsaddled. 

Each  Chief  of  Section  supervises  the  Line  Up  of  his  section, 
and  upon  its  completion  directs  the  men,  with  the  exception  of 
the  packers,  to  procure  their  blanket  rolls  and  assemble. 

While  the  "  line  up  "  is  being  formed  the  platoon  commander 
indicates  to  the  platoon  sergeant  where  the  men's  tents  are  to 
be  pitched,  the  location  of  the  kitchen  tent,  sinks,  and  his  own 
tent,  and  then  proceeds  to  make  the  inspection  prescribed  in 
paragraph  176. 

If  shelter  tents  are  to  be  used  the  platoon  sergeant  assem- 
bles the  platoon  and  causes  the  tents  to  be  pitched  on  the  line 
indicated  by  the  platoon  commander. 

Tents  are  pitched  by  the  commands  and  in  the  manner  pre- 
scribed in  Infantry  Drill  Regulations.  Details  are  then  made 
to  complete  the  camp. 

If  conical  wall  tents  are  used,  the  wagon  is  first  unloaded,  the 
kitchen  established,  and  then  each  section  pitches  its  own  tent 
or  tents  under  direction  of  its  chief,  the  platoon  sergeant  super- 
vising the  whole  and  verifying  the  alignment. 

Camp  is  then  completed  as  before. 

Upon  his  completion  of  his  inspection  of  animals,  etc.,  the 
platoon  commander  inspects  the  camp  to  see  that  his  instruc- 
tions regarding  it  have  been  carried  out. 

TO  BREAK  CAMP. 

187.  The  packers  rise  at  such  a  time  as  will  enable  them 
to  feed,  water,  groom,  and  saddle  their  animals ;  make  up  their 
blanket  rolls  and  deposit  them  at  the  place  designated  for 
loading;  if  quartered  separately  at  the  picket  line,  strike  their 


THE  PLATOON   IN  ACTION.  65 

tent  and  bring  it  to  the  point  where  the  wagon  is  to  be  loaded ; 
and  have  their  animals  at  their  loads  ready  to  pack  and  start  at 
the  appointed  hour. 

They  are  not  required  to  attend  reveille  roll  call. 

When  tents  have  been  struck,  the  wagon  loaded,  and  the  police 
of  camp  ground  completed,  each  chief  of  section  assembles  his 
section  at  its  rigging  line,  where  the  packers,  by  this  time,  will 
have  brought  the  mules. 

The  platoon  is  now  formed  with  packs  as  prescribed  in  para- 
graph 126,  the  Chief  of  Section  assigning  leaders  to  each  mule, 
so  that  the  packers  may  take  up  the  picket  line  and  load  it. 
This  being  done,  all  take  their  posts. 

THE  PLATOON  IN  ACTION. 

188.  Machine  guns  have  no  independent  role  in  action. 
Machine-gun    fire   supplements   and   augments   infantry    fire, 

and  hence  the  positions  and  movements  of  the  machine  gun 
platoon  will  be  governed  largely  by  the  positions  and  move- 
ments of  the  command  with  which  it  is  serving. 

The  greater  vulnerability  of  machine  guns  compared  to  in- 
fantry and  the  difficulties  of  ammunition  supply  within  the  zone 
of  effective  rifle  fire,  operate  to  restrict  to  some  extent  the  for- 
ward movements  of  machine  guns  in  offensive  actions. 

189.  The  duty  of  locating  the  enemy  and  of  obtaining  informa- 
tion concerning  him  usually  devolves  upon  other  troops. 

When  a  position  has  been  assigned  for  occupation  by  machine 
guns,  the  platoon  commander  will  make  a  personal  reconnais- 
sance of  the  ground  before  advancing  his  guns,  satisfying  him- 
self of  the  practicability  of  the  advance  so  far  as  the  trails  are 
concerned. 

This  duty  is  so  important  that  it  should  always  be  performed 
by  a  commissioned  ofiicer,  who  should  then  act  as  guide  in  the 
movement  to  be  executed. 

When  the  enemy  is  near,  such  reconnaissance  should  be  made 
on  foot  with  due  regard  to  concealment  from  view. 

190.  The  choice  of  a  position  is  subject  to  the  limitations  im- 
posed by  the  front  assigned  to  the  command. 

In  the  selection  of  a  position,  the  following  considerations 
should  govern : 

1.  The  field  of  fire  should  be  as  extensive  as  possible  and 
without  dead  space. 

7230—10 5 


66  THE   PLATOON   IN  ACTION. 

2.  The  guns  must  bo  so  placed  as  not  to  interfere  with  the 
operations  of  other  troops  of  the  command. 

3.  Concealment   from    view   and   cover   from    fire    should    be 
sought ;    but   these  considerations   should  not  be  permitted  to 
limit  effectiveness  of  fire. 

4.  Facility  of  supply,  including  ammunition,  water,  and  food. 

5.  Facility  of  movement  in  case  change  of  position  becomes 
necessary. 

191.  Firing  over  the  heads  of  friendly  troops  is  an  admissible 
procedure,  and  it  should  be  resorted  to  when  the  terrain  is 
favorable  and  the  conditions  and  circumstances  of  the  action 
demand  it. 

In  the  choice  of  apposition,  with  this  end  in  view,  advantage 
should  be  taken  of  elevations  and  such  defilade  as  the  ground 
may  admit  of  to  lessen  the  danger  to  one's  own  troops  in  all  the 
stages  of  the  action. 

As  a  rule,  when  the  command  of  the  position  occupied  is  not 
great,  such  firing  should  not  be  undertaken  at  a  range  less  than 
1,000  yards  from  the  objective. 


88 

CHAPTER  IX. 
CEREMONIES. 

192.  At  ceremonies  with  infantry,  the  post  of  the  platoon  is 
the  same  as  at  drill. 

At  the  command  Prepare  for  Inspection,  or  Prepare  for  Review, 
by  the  commander  of  infantry,  the  chief  of  platoon  repeats  the 
commands  and  adds  ACTION  FRONT  at  the  command  of  execu- 
tion. 

In  this  case,  the  gun  mule  only  is  unpacked.  Animals  are 
not  linked  unless  the  platoon  is  working  with  reduced  numbers. 

The  gun  mule  is  repacked  at  the  command  of  the  platoon 
commander  when  the  commander  of  infantry  gives  the  com- 
mand for  closing  ranks,  or  when  the  inspection  is  completed. 

The  platoon  follows  the  command  to  which  it  is  attached 
when  passing  in  review.  It  passes  the  reviewing  officer  in  line 
when  practicable.  Only  the  chief  of  platoon  salutes.  Enlisted 
men  will  conform  to  the  requirements  of  the  Infantry  Drill 
Regulations. 

193.  At  inspections,  when  the  inspecting  officer  approaches, 
the  section  on  the  right  is  prepared  for  inspection  as  follows : 

The  pointer  raises  the  cover,  withdraws  the  handle  block, 
split  pin,  and  the  handle-block  body,  which  he  retains  in  his 
hands  in  such  a  way  that  they  may  be  seen  by  the  inspecting 
officer. 

Number  1  throws  the  roller  handle  forward,  turns  the  lock  out 
of  the  casing,  and  leaves  it  lying  on  top  of  the  side  plates. 

Number  2  removes  the  nozzle,  which  he  holds  in  his  hand, 
turning  it  so  that  the  inspecting  officer  may  see  the  inner  and 
outer  surfaces. 

Number  3  removes  the  top  tray  of  the  tool  box,  which  he  places 
on  the  lid  of  the  tool  box  in  such  a  way  as  to  expose  the  interior 
of  the  box  to  view. 

The  member  of  the  ammunition  squad  nearest  the  pack  on 
which  the  belt-filling  machine  is  carried  removes  the  box,  which 
he  opens  and  places  on  the  ground  at  his  feet. 

The  inspecting  officer  inspects  the  gun,  the  tool  box,  animals, 
and  equipment  of  the  right  section,  and  then  those  of  the  left 
section. 

67 


68  CEREMONIES. 

The  inspection  of  the  animals  and  equipment  of  a  section  hav- 
ing been  completed — 

The  pointer  replaces  the  handle  block  and  split  pin. 

No.  1  replaces  the  lock  and  closes  the  cover. 

No.  2  replaces  the  nozzle. 

No.  3  replaces  the  top  tray  of  the  tool  box  and  closes  it. 

The  ammunition  man  replaces  the  belt-filling  machine  on 

its  pack. 

All  resume  their  posts. 

The  inspection  of  both  sections  having  been  completed,  the 
inspecting  officer  returns  to  the  right  section  and  inspects  the 
side  arms,  equipment,  and  clothing  of  the  men  from  right  to  left. 
In  case  the  field  equipment  of  the  platoon  is  carried  on  the 
packs,  the  inspecting  officer  may  direct  that  the  blanket  rolls  be 
prepared  for  inspection.  Each  chief  of  section  then  directs  the 
members  of  his  section  to  procure  their  rolls,  forms  his  section 
as  in  paragraph  97  in  front  of  his  gun,  and  prepares  for  inspec- 
tion as  prescribed  in  the  Infantry  Drill  Regulations. 

When  the  inspection  is  completed  each  section  is  again  re- 
formed on  the  same  ground  in  front  of  the  gun,  and  the  rolls  are 
then  replaced  in  the  packs. 

The  gun  and  ammunition  squads  then  resume  their  posts. 
The  rolls  of  the  packers  who  hold  the  animals  are  prepared 
for  inspection  as  directed  by  the  platoon  commander. 

The  inspection  completed,  the  platoon  commander  causes  the 
gun  mules  to  be  repacked  and  inarches  off  the  platoon. 


CHAPTER  X. 

JAMS. 
INSTRUCTION  OF  GUN  SQUADS. 

194.  To  insure  promptness  and  accuracy  on  the  part  of  the 
gun  squads  in  the  reduction  of  jams,  their  causes  and  reduc- 
tion must  be  thoroughly  gone  over,  both  practically  and  theo- 
retically, the  instructor  requiring  each  man  to  state  aloud  each 
step,  and  the  reason  therefor,  and  the  method  of  reducing  the 
jam.     It  is  good  instruction  to  derange  the  adjustment  of  the 
gun  and  require  the  readjustment  to  be  made  by  separate  mem- 
bers of  the  gun  squad. 

195.  The  determination  of  the  causes  of  jams  and  their  re- 
duction are  simple  matters  when  intelligently  and  systematic- 
ally attempted.     Tinkering  ignorantly  with   the   parts   of  the 
mechanism  is  criminal  carelessness ;  but  maladjustment  through 
ignorance  or  neglect   is  inexcusable   and   liable  to   cause  the 
gravest  consequences  in  action.     The  use  of  much  force,  violent 
efforts  to  force  the  parts  to  work  properly  by  blows  of  a  ham- 
mer, and  the  like,  are  sure  evidence  of  ignorance  or  loss  of 
temper. 

196.  A  machine  gun  is  a  delicate  piece  of  machinery.     It  is 
a  gas  engine,  the  moving  parts  of  which  vibrate  at  the  rate  of 
about  600  times  per  minute  under  a  pressure  of  some  30,000 
pounds  to  the  square  inch.     If  these  parts  are  accurately  ad- 
justed, lubricated,  and  kept  in  proper  condition  they  will  func- 
tion properly.    //  not,  the  cause  must  be  found  and  removed,  not  by 
brute  force,  but  by  careful,  intelligent  examination  and  adjustment. 

197.  It  has  been  found  by,  experience  that  certain  jams  are 
liable  to  occur  while  firing  the  Vickers  Maxim  Machine  Gun. 

The  amount  of  interruption  of  fire  that  results  from  these 
jams  will  depend  upon  the  instruction  of  the  gun  squad.  With 
badly  instructed  or  careless  men,  the  results  may  be  so  serious 
as  to  put  the  piece  out  of  action  and  jeopardize  the  accomplish- 
ment of  its  mission  in  an  engagement.  With  well-instructed 

69 


70  JAMS. 

men,  strictly  alert  and  attentive  to  their  duties,  but  little  in- 
convenience will  be  caused  by  jams,  for  they  will  seldom 
occur,  and  will  be  quickly  reduced. 

198.  A  jam  in  a  machine  gun  is  the  failure  of  the  mechanism 
to  function  so  that  the  automatic  fire  is  uninterrupted  as  long 
as  there  are  cartridges  in  the  belt  and  the  trigger  is  pressed. 

199.  Jams  are  classified  according  to  their  causes  as  follows: 
(A)   Those  whose  number   may   be   lessened   by   reasonable 

care  in : 

(ft)  Adjustment  of  the  mechanism  and  the  care  of  the 

gun. 
(&)   Loading  of  belts  and  the  manner  in  which  they 

are  fed. 

(c)  Cleaning  and  oiling  of  the  working  parts  of  the 

gun  before  and  during  firing. 

(d)  Examination  of  all  ammunition  before  and  after 

it  is  loaded  into  belts,  and  the  rejection  of  all 
cartridges  that  are  foul  or  defective. 
(c)   Smoothing  (with  a  fine  file  or  emery)  of  such  rough 
or  projecting  surfaces  in  the  mechanism  of  the 
gun  as  causes  undue  friction  of  its  working  parts. 
(B.)   Those  caused  by  the  wear  or  breakage  of  parts  because 
of  defective  material,  long  usage,  accident,  or  the  enemy's  fire. 
The  reduction  of  jams  comprises  three  steps: 

(a)   Determination  of  the  charcter  of  the  jam  by  exami- 
nation. 

(&)   Removal  of  the  immediate  obstruction. 
(c)  Correction  or  removal  of  the  cause  which  produced 
the  jam. 

200.  The  men  must  be  taught  that  the  gun  is  a  delicate 
mechanism  which  will  function  properly  only  when  correctly 
adjusted  and  served.     The  parts  are  made  to  fit  accurately,  and 
the  application  of  much  force  is  always  unnecessary.     If  the 
parts  can  not  be  made  to  function  properly  by  use  of  reasonable 
force,  look  for  the  obstruction  and  remove  it. 

201.  The  use  of  the  file,  emery  dust,  or  emery  paper  should 
be  prohibited   except   under   the  direction   of  a   commissioned 
officer  or  an  expert  machine-gun  man. 


JAMS. 


71 


202.  Enumeration  of  jams  of  the  first  c/ass: 


(A.)    Faulty  adjustments.. 


(a)  Faulty  packing  of  barrel  .....  •••{2!  Tw  loosed 
(&)  Incorrect  tension  of  recoil  spring.  |J-  ^  weakf  ' 
(c)  Incorrect  head  space.  .  .  ..........  {£;  "* 


(B.)    Faulty  loading..  .....  {$ 


(d)  Incorrect  gas  space 
ft  l*fti 


(C.)     Fouling  or  lack  of  oil. 


(D.) 


Defective    animuni 
tion./. 


(a)  Lock. 
(b) i  Chamber. 

(c)  Ejector  tube. 

(d)  Guide  ribs. 

(e)  Any  other  movable  part. 


L-  /(a)  Loose  bullets. 
..{(b    -   ' 


(E.)    Faulty  construction.. 


Deformed  or  corroded  shells. 

(a)  Projection  of  feed-box  cartridge  spring. 

(b)  Gib-spring  plate  too  thick. 

(c)  Carrier  grooves  too  small. 

(d)  Insufficient  leverage  of  fusee. 

(e)  Mouth  of  ejector  tube  improperly  beveled. 
(/)  Binding  of  trigger  bar  under  handle  block. 
(ff)  Gib  spring  too  weak. 

(h)  Gib-spring  plate  worn  thin  on  edges. 
(i)  Trigger  bar  sprung  or  ribs  on  short  (stud)  slot 
too  thick. 

203.  James  of  the  second  class,  especially  in  action,  can  riot 
be  foreseen  or  classified.     The  only  rule  that  can  be  laid  down 
regarding  them  is  to  repair  the  damaged  part,  if  possible,  or 
replace  it  from  such  spare  parts  as  are  available. 

The  most  usual  of  these  jams  are  caused  by  the  breaking  of: 
(a)  Mainsprings;  (&)  firing  pins.  The  former  can  be  quickly 
recognized  by  the  ease  with  which  the  roller  handle  can  be 
thrown  forward  and  lack  of  response  to  the  action  of  the 
trigger.  The  latter,  by  repeated  snapping  of  the  lock  without 
resulting  explosion  of  cartridges. 

REDUCTION  OF  JAMS  OF  THE  FIRST  CLASS. 
Barrel  packed  too  tight. 

204.  The  barrel  can  be  packed   so  tightly  that  the  roller 
handle  is  prevented,  by  pressure  against  the  roller,  from  com- 
pleting its  cycle,  and  a  portion  of  the  forward  end  of  the  slot 
is  visible  just  in  front  of  the  crank  shaft.     Further  examina- 


72  JAMS. 

tion  shows  that  the  carrier  has  dropped  and  holds  a  cartridge 
and  an  empty  shell,  and  that  the  belt  has  not  fed  forward. 

TO  REDUCE:  Repack  the  barrel  so  that  it  can  be  moved  (with- 
out the  recoil  spring  attached)  by  a  pressure  of  less  than  about 
6  pounds. 

NOTE. — Use  the  spring  balance  for  this  purpose. 

BARREL   PACKED    TOO   LOOSE. 

205.  This  will  not  ordinarily  be  the  immediate  cause  of  a 
jam ;  but,  if  great  care  is  not  exercised  in  cleaning  and  oiling 
the  lock  and  recoil  mechanism,  the  leakage  of  the  water  jacket 
will  so  rust  the  parts  that  they  will  fail  to  function  properly. 

This  trouble  will  be  removed  by  packing  the  barrel  so  as  to 
prevent  leakage. 

TENSION   OF   RECOIL   SPRING   OR   GAS  SPACE   TOO   GREAT. 

206.  This  can   usually  be   recognized  by  the  inequality  of 
intervals  between  shots  just  before  the  jam  occurs. 

An  examination  of  the  mechanism  will  show  the  carrier 
either  (a)  supported  on  the  upper  beveled  surfaces  of  the  side 
cams,  and  the  roller  handle  near  its  forward  position,  in 
which  case  the  cartridge  in  the  carrier  will  be  found  pressed 
against  a  properly  presented  cartridge  in  the  feed  box,  and  no 
portion  of  the  slot  will  show  as  the  barrel  has  been  returned 
to  its  firing  position;  or  (&)  thrown  forward  above  the  side 
cams,  with  the  roller  handle  nearly  vertical,  in  which  case  the 
cartridge  in  the  carrier  will  be  found  forced  along  the  left  side 
of  the  cartridge  in  the  feed  box,  and  a  portion  of  the  forward 
end  of  the  slot  will  show. 

The  reason  for  this  is  that  the  tension  of  the  recoil  spring  is 
so  great  that  it  induces  a  forward  movement  of  the  lock  before 
it  has  completed  its  backward  movement,  the  carrier  thus  riding 
back  over  the  side  cams  instead  of  dropping  and  passing  under 
them. 

TO  REDUCE:  Lessen  the  tension  of  the  recoil  spring  or  reduce 
the  gas  space,  or  both,  until  the  lock  can  complete  a  rearward 
movement  before  being  returned  to  the  firing  position.  This 
coadjustnient  of  the  forces  of  recoil  and  counter  recoil  is  best 
accomplished  by  experimental  firing  with  each  gun. 


JAMS.  73 

NOTE.— With  the  spring  balance  attached  to  the  knob  of  the 
roller  handle,  the  proper  tension  of  the  recoil  spring  will  usually 
necessitate  a  pull  of  from  4  to  6  pounds  for  the  initial  movement 
of  the  roller  handle. 

RECOIL  SPRING  TOO  WEAK  OR  TENSION  TOO  LITTLE. 

207.  Ordinarily   this   jam   will   only   be   found   with   recoil 
springs  that  have  lost  much  of  their  elasticity  through  long 
usage  or  abuse. 

This  jam  is  caused  by  the  fact  that  the  recoil  spring  does  not 
return  the  barrel  and  lock,  or  the  lock,  to  the  firing  position. 

This  jam,  in  so  far  as  the  lock  is  concerned,  will  occur  most 
frequently  as  the  fouling  of  the  working  parts  increases  through 
firing. 

TO  REDUCE:  Use  the  spring  balance  as  prescribed  in  the  pre- 
ceding paragraph.  Should  the  maximum  tension  fail  to  produce 
the  desired  result,  the  recoil  spring  should  be  set  aside  for  con- 
demnation and  be  replaced  by  a  new  spring. 

208.  In  this  connection  it  is  thought  advisable  to  emphasize 
the  necessity  of  a  proper  coadjustment  of  the  recoil  spring  and 
the  recoil  of  the  barrel.     The  recoil  of  the  barrel  is  regulated  by 
the  barrel  disk.     By  gas  space  is  meant  the  space  between  the 
barrel  disk  and  the  nozzle ;   the  greater  the  gas  space  the  lesser 
the  force  of  the  recoil,  and  conversely.     As  the  gas  space  is  re- 
duced the  tension  of  the  recoil  spring  should  be  increased,  until 
a  proper  balance  of  the  recoil  and  counter  recoil  is  obtained  to 
produce  the  greatest  rapidity  of  fire. 

HEAD  SPACE  TOO  GREAT. 

209.  This  jam  is  recognized  by  the  fact  that  the  base  of  the 
shell  is  blown  off  about  one-half  an  inch  from  the  cannelure. 
The  base  of  the  ruptured  shell  is  carried  back  with  the  lock 
while  the  other  part  remains  in  the  chamber.    The  new  car- 
tridge will  be  found  partially  telescoped  into  this  part,  the  roller 
handle  in  a  vertical  position. 

The  cause  is  that  the  carrier  does  not  close  tightly  against 
the  face  of  the  chamber,  and  the  cartridge,  being  unsupported 
except  at  the  base,  is  ruptured  by  the  pressure  of  the  powder 
gases. 


74  JAMS. 

TO  REDUCE:  Throw  the  roller  handle  forward,  when  the  new 
cartridge  will  be  extracted  from  the  chamber,  ordinarily  with 
the  ruptured  shell.  These  should  be  removed  from  the  carrier. 
The  base  of  the  ruptured  shell  will  be  automatically  ejected. 

In  case  the  ruptured  shell  is  not  withdrawn  with  the  new 
cartridge,  the  clearing  plug  should  be  used.  Add  washers  to 
the  crosshead  until  the  carrier  fits  snugly  against  the  face  of 
the  chamber. 

HEAD  SPACE  TOO  SMALL 

210.  On  account  of  undue  friction  between  the  face  of  the 
chamber  and  the  carrier,  the  latter  will  not  rise  to  the  firing 
position. 

TO  REDUCE:  Remove  washers  from  the  crosshead  until  the 
carrier  works  snugly  against  the  face  of  the  chamber,  but 
without  undue  friction. 

CARTRIDGES  IMPROPERLY  LOADED  IN  BELT. 

211.  Properly   filled  belts  are  those  into  which  cartridges 
have  been  inserted  a  uniform  distance. 

When  the  feed  box  presents  cartridges  that  are  not  thus 
loaded  the  following  conditions  ensue: 

(a)  If  the  cartridge  has  been  inserted  too  far,  but  has 
entered  the  feed  box,  it  may  not  be  engaged  by 
the  carrier,  or  it  may  be  engaged  only  on  one 
side,  thus  preventing  the  carrier  from  rising. 
(&)  If  the  cartridge  has  been  inserted  so  far  that  it  can 
not  enter  the  feed  box,  a  jam  will  result  owing 
to  the  interruption  of  the  feed  mechanism;  in 
some  cases  the  cartridge  may  enter  the  feed  box 
but  cause  the  next  cartridge  to  bind  on  the  rear 
of  the  feed  box. 

(o)   If  the  cartridge  has  not  been  inserted  far  enough, 
it  may  strike  against  the  rear  of  the  feed  box, 
causing  interruption  of  the  feed  mechanism. 
TO  REDUCE:  Straighten  cartridge  in  feed  box  if  possible;  if 
not,  remove  cartridge  to  rear  from  feed  box  and  reload  piece. 
NOTE. — Much  handling  of  loaded  belts  soon  causes  the  car- 
tridges to  become  misplaced,   as  also  does  carrying  them  by 
pack  for  any  considerable  distance  with  the  present  equipment ; 


JAMS.  75 

hence  no  more  belts  should  be  kept  loaded  than  required  by  the 
necessities  of  immediate  supply. 

FOULING  AND  LACK  OF  ML. 

212.  Fouling  or  lack  of  oil  may  manifest  itself  by: 
(a)  The  carrier  failing  to  drop. 

(6)  The  carrier  failing  to  rise  to  the  firing  position. 

The  former  is  due  to  gumming  or  friction  between  the  carrier 
and  the  lock  frame,  and  the  latter  to  gumming  or  friction  be- 
tween the  side  or  lifting  levers  and  the  lock  frame. 

TO  REDUCE:  In  either  case  remove  the  lock  and  clean  thor- 
oughly without  taking  apart.  A  frequent  change  of  locks  during 
firing  is  advised,  not  only  to  remove  fouling,  but  to  insure  both 
locks  being  kept  in  good  working  order. 

213.  The   Chamber.     Fouling  of  the   chamber  will   manifest 
itself  by  the  cartridge  being  partly  inserted  therein.     Examina- 
tion will  show  scratches  on  the  surface  of  the  shell. 

TO  REDUCE:  Clean  the  chamber  thoroughly,  but  do  not  oil 
except  when  firing  is  completed.  It  is  then  oiled  to  prevent 
rust. 

214.  The  Ejector  Tube.    Fouling  of  the  ejector  tube  manifests 
itself  by  the  shell  being  but  partly  inserted  therein.     Exami- 
nation shows  scratches  on  the  surface  of  the  shell. 

TO  REDUCE:  Clean  the  tube  thoroughly  and  cover  the  sur- 
face with  a  thin  coating  of  sperm  oil. 

215.  The  Guide  Ribs.    This  jam  is  recognized  by  the  fact  that 
the  lock  travels  only  a  short  distance  forward  and  then  binds. 
Examination  will  show  worn  places  on  the  guide  ribs  and  in 
the  grooves  of  the  recoil  plates,  caused  by  undue  friction  on 
these  parts. 

TO  REDUCE:  Clean  the  parts  thoroughly  and  oil  with  thin 
lubricating  oil.  Smooth  the  surfaces  with  crocus  cloth  if  nec- 
essary. 

LOOSE  BULLETS. 

216.  The  indications  of  this  jam  are  the  same  as  those  of 
the  foul  chamber,   and  further  examination  will  disclose  the 
bullet  and  loose  powder  grains  on  the  floor  of  the  casing.     The 
empty  shell  will  show  no  discoloration  from  the  explosion  of 
powder,  and  loose  powder  will  be  found  in  the  chamber. 


76  JAMS. 

TO  REDUCE:  Remove  the  bullet  and  proceed  as  for  foul 
chamber. 

NOTE. — Loose  bullets  are  usually  caused  by  the  hammering 
they  receive  when  carried  any  distance  by  pack  with  the  pres- 
ent ammunition  box. 

For  this  reason,  it  is  best  not  to  load  the  belts  until  a  short 
time  before  they  are  to  be  fired ;  but  if  transportation  of  loaded 
belts  by  pack  is  imperative,  then  the  belts  should  be  made  to  fit 
snugly  in  the  ammunition  boxes  by  the  insertion  of  sheets  of 
cardboard,  felt,  or  other  suitable  material  between  the  cartridges 
and  the  side  of  the  box. 

DEFORMED  OR  CORRODED  SHELLS. 

217.  Such  shells  will  not  usually  enter  the  chamber  and  will 
give  the  same  initial  manifestations  as  a  foul  chamber. 

TO  REDUCE:  Remove  the  defective  shell  from  the  carrier  and 
reload. 

PROJECTION   OF    THE   FEED-BOX   CARTRIDGE   SPRING. 

218.  This  is  recognized  by  the  position  of  the  roller  handle, 
it  failing  to  complete  its  rearward  movement  and  remaining  a 
short  distance  above  the  roller.     Also  if  the  lock  be  carried 
slowly    forward,    glancing    vertically    downward    between    the 
front  surfaces  of  the  carrier  and  the  exposed  edge  of  the  feed- 
box  cartridge  spring,   it  will  be  noticed  that  the  gib  presses 
unduly  against  the  surface  of  this,  thus  preventing  the  carrier 
from  rising  to  the  firing  position.     This  may  cause  the  breakage 
of  the  spring  near  its  base. 

TO  REDUCE:  Carefully  smooth  away  the  projecting  edge  of 
the  cartridge  spring  so  that  the  gib  may  ride  smoothly  over  it. 

GIB-SPRING  PLATE   TOO   THICK. 

219.  This  jam  manifests  itself  by  the  carrier,  when  cleaned 
and  properly  oiled,  failing  to  drop.     Examination  of  parts  of 
the  lock  will  show  bright  worn  places  on  the  front  face  of  the 
lock  frame  and  on  the  gib-spring  plate. 

TO  REDUCE:  Dress  down  the  outer  surface  of  the  gib-spring 
plate  with  a  fine  file,  hone,  or  emery  until  it  rides  freely  over 
the  lock  frame. 


JAMS.  77 

GIB-SPRING  PLATE   WORN   ON  EDGES. 

220.  In   this  jam   the   roller   handle  will  be   found  almost 
vertical.     The  fired  cartridge  will  be  found  above  its  position 
in  the  carrier  partly  over  the  gib.     The  upper  edge  of  the  case 
will  be  found  upset  by  having  been  forced  against  the  upper 
side  of  the  ejector  tube. 

The  gib-spring  plate  will  be  found  out  of  position. 

TO  REDUCE:  Replace  gib-spring  plate. 

.i^vmft  v\ 

GIB  SPRING  TOO  WEAK. 

221.  The  symptoms  of  this  jam  are  similar  to  those  of  the 
worn  gib-spring  plate.     The  plate  will  not  always  be  out  of 
place  in  the  latter  jam. 

TO  REDUCE:  Replace  gib  spring. 

lovjviatt 

CARRIER  GROOVES  TOO  SMALL 

222.  This   jam    manifests    itself   by    the   carrier,    properly 
cleaned  and  oiled,  failing  to  drop.     Examination  of  the  parts 
of  the  lock  discloses  bright  worn  places  on  the  flanges  of  the 
lock  frame,  and  in  the  grooves  of  the  carrier. 

TO  REDUCE:  Enlarge  the  grooves  of  the  carrier  and  dress 
down  the  flanges  of  the  lock  frame  with  fine  emery;  then 
carefully  smooth  all  surfaces  with  crocus  cloth. 

INSUFFICIENT   LEVERAGE   OF   FUSEE. 

223.  When  the  slotted  portion  of  the  fusee  is  cut  too  deep, 
the  tension  of  the  recoil  spring  is  insufficient  to  revolve  the 
fusee  beyond  a  point  which  seems  to  be  a  dead  center.    It  is 
recognized  both  with  and  without  the  lock  in  place.    The  roller 
handle  remains  about  1  inch  above  its  extreme  forward  position. 

TO  REDUCE:  Fill  up  the  slot  of  the  fusee  with  a  small  hard- 
wood wedge,  so  as  to  give  the  necessary  leverage. 

The  imperfect  fusee  should  be  replaced  by  a  new  one  as  soon 
as  possible,  and  then  be  set  aside  for  condemnation. 

This  jam  is  of  rare  occurrence. 


78  JAMS. 

MOUTH  OF  THE  EJECTOR  TUBE  IMPROPERLY  BEVELED. 

224.  This  jam  is  recognized  by  the  new  cartridge  failing  to 
enter  the  chamber;   the  shell  remaining  entirely  exposed  and 
about  one-sixteenth  of  an  inch  of  the  bullet  visible.     The  for- 
ward  movement  of  the  lock  is   interrupted  by  the   shell   last 
fired  striking  against  the  lower  lip  of  the  ejector  tube,  which 
upon  examination  is  found  to  have  been  left  with  a  sharp  edge, 
thus  obstructing  the  free  entry  of  the  shell.     The  end  of  the 
shell  will  usually  be  found  more  or  less  upset. 

TO  REDUCE:  File  a  suitable  ramp  at  the  mouth  of  the  ejector 
tube. 

BINDING  OF  TRIGGER  BAR  UNDER  HANDLE  LOCK. 

225.  This  jam  is  recognized  by  the  trigger  failing  to  return 
to  its  rear  position. 

TO  REDUCE:  File  away  the  groove  on  the  under  side  of  the 
handle  block  sufficiently  to  allow  free  movement  of  the  trigger 
bar. 

BENDING  OF  THE  TRIGGER  BAR. 

226.  This  jam  is  recognized  by  the  fact  that  the  piece  has 
failed  to  fire,   although  all   parts   seemed   to   have  functioned 
properly.     The  bar  will  show  a  worn  mark.    The  bending  of 
the  bar  has  prevented  the  front  end  of  the  slot  engaging  the 
hand  sear,  which  rides  over  the  top. 

TO  REDUCE:  Straighten  the  bar.  This  same  jam  may  be 
caused  by  too  great  thickness  of  the  ribs  on  small  slot,  which 
is  reduced  by  dressing  down  the  ribs. 


INDEX. 


Paragraph. 

Action,  lo  form  for "2,33,36,75 

Ammunition  Squad: 

Composition  of 


Duties  of,  in  general 





69 


Establishment  of  ammunition  station 

Formation  of,  with  pack 70 

Formation   of,  without   pack—  68 

Instruction  of__  66,67 

Object  of  training 65 

Organization  of _ —  _          64 

To  pack -   77,78 

To  unpack  and  form  action- 75,  76 

Aparejo,    arrangement   of n 156 

Belt  filler,  how  to  operate ._-_  71,72,73 

Camps : 

Bivouacs 184 

Establishment   of ._ 186 

Restricted  space 183 

Tentage 180 

To  break , :_       187 

Various  forms  of . 178,  179,  182 

With  infantry __       181 

Ceremonies 24,  192,  193 

Combat  division,  constitution  of . , 6 

English  pack  outfit,  arrangement  of 158 

Equipment: 

Arrangement  of,  in  camp__  _ 157 

Arrangement  of,  in  garrison 154,  155 

Fire: 

At  moving  targets 60 

Classification  of 49 

Fixed ; ______._^__          55 

For  effect . __„»,., 54 

79 


80  .  IttDEX. 

Paragraph. 

Method   of 47 

Night 61 

Ranging 48,  49,  50,  51,  52,  53 

Sweeping 59 

Traversed 56 

Traversed  zone 58 

Zone 57 

Firing,  commands  for 41,  42,  43,  45,  46 

Firing   data,    corrections   of 44 

Gun,  arrangement  of,  when  not  in  use 159 

Gun  Squad: 

Care  of  its  equipment 05,  121 

Composition  of 9 

Duties  of,  in  general 11 

How    formed 21 

Organization  of 3 

Posts  of 22,  23,  24,  25 

To  change  direction  when   moving  by  hand —          28 

To  halt 27 

To  march  to  the  rear  when  moving  by  hand 29,  30 

Training  of 10 

Jams: 

Classification   of 199 

Enumeration  of 202,  203 

Instruction  of  gun  squads 194,  195,  196,  197,  200,  201 

Barrel  packed  too  tight 

Barrel  packed   too  loose 

Bending   of   trigger    bar 

Binding  of  trigger  bar 

Carrier  grooves  too  small 

Cartridges   improperly   loaded   in   belt-- 
Caused by  failure  of  mechanism 

Deformed  or  corroded  shells 

Fouling  and  lack  of  oil — 212,  213,  214,  215 

Gib-spring  plate  too  thick 

Gib-spring  plate  worn  on  edges- _. 

Gib  spring  too  weak 

Head  space  too  great 

Head  space  too  small 

Insufficient  leverage  of  fusee. _. 

Loose   bullets  - 


INDEX.  81 

Paragraph. 

Mouth  of  ejector  tube  improperly  beveled 

Projection  of  cartridge  spring 

Tension  of  recoil  spring  too  great 206 

Tension  of  recoil  spring  too  little 207,  208 

Marches: 

Adjustment    of    loads - 173 

Crossing    streams 171,172 

Distribution    of    loads 167,  168 

Gaits  and  distances 166 

In    campaign -   164,  174 

Inspection   after 176 

Ordinary 169 

Over  rugged  country III 170 

Problems   confronting   platoon    commander . 162 

Route . 165 

With  infantry -   163-175 

lumber  one,   duties   of,   in  detail ,1- 15,  16,  17,  18 

Number  two,  duties  of,  in  detail 19 

Number  three,  duties  of,  in  detail 20,  35 

Number  four,   duties  of,  in  general ,         69 

Number   five,   duties   of,   in  general 69 

Number  six,  duties  of,  in  general 69 

Organization,    unit   of 1 

Packers: 

Designation    of 79 

Posts  of,  with  gun  in  pack I 81 

Posts  of,  with  the  piece  prepared  for  action 82 

Pack  Squad: 

Care    of    equipment 121 

Constitution  of 5 

Formation   of,   without   packs 80 

General  duties 83 

To   fold   the   pack   blanket 86 

To  put  on  the  blanket 87 

To  put  on  the  blind 84 

To  put  on  the  bridle 85 

To  put  on  the  corona 88 

To  put  on  the  loads 91 

To  put  on  the  saddle 90 

To    turn    the    crupper 89 

To   unpack,   to  unsaddle 92 

7230—10 6 


82 

Piece,  The:  Paragraph. 

Movement  of,  by  hand,  short  distances 26 

Movement  of,  by  hand,  longer  distances 31 

Service  of,  general  provisions 38,39 

Service  of,  with  reduced  numbers 63 

Position  of,  established  by  No.  3 35 

To  fire 41 

To  lay 40 

To  pack 37 

To  unpack  and  prepare  for  action : 34 

Platoon: 

Commands  and  means  for  maneuvering 125 

Constitution    of 7 

Formation  of,   for  action 149 

Formation   of,   with   packs 126,  127, 128, 129,  130,  131,  132 

Formation   of,   without   packs 123,  124 

In  action;  role 188,189 

Selection  of  position 190 

Use  of  canopy  fire 191 

In  the  field 161 

Inspection  of,  before  dismissal 134 

Maneuver  of,  with  packs,  general  principles 135 

Movements  of,   at  drill  with   infantry 153 

Movements  of,  combined  with  infantry 152 

Organization 8 

Simultaneous    movements   of 151 

Successive   movements   of 150 

To  change  direction 143,  144,  145 

To  change  direction  of  the  march  to  the  rear 146 

To  close  or  extend  intervals 148 

To  dismiss 133 

To  face  to  the  rear  without  gaining  ground 147 

To  form  column  to  the  flank 138 

To  form  column  to  the  front 137 

To  form  line  to  the  flank 140,  141 

To  form  line  to  the  front 139 

To  form  on  right  or  left  into  line 142 

To  march  to  the  front 130 

Platoon   commander,   responsibility  of 12H 

Pointer: 

Duties  in  detail 12,13,14 

Duties    in    general 11 


INDEX.  83 

Section:  Paragraph. 

Chief  of  supervision 94 

Commands  and  means  for  maneuvering  without  packs 98 

Composition  of 93 

Division    of 2,6 

Formation  of,  for  instruction 99 

Formation  of,   with   packs 100,  101 

Formation  of,  without  packs 97 

Maneuvers  of,  acting  alone ! 110 

Organization    of 1,3,4,5 

To   countermarch 112 

To   dismiss 108 

To  face   to   the  rear   without  gaining  ground   to   the   front 

or  rear 114 

To  form  for  action 74 

To    "line    up" 102,103 

To    "load    out" 105 

To  march  in  route  order 119 

To  march  to  the  rear 111 

To  move  combat  division  to  front  of  supply  division 116 

To  place  combat  division  in  rear  of  supply  division 115 

To  resume  normal  order  from  route  order 120 

To  resume  order  for  marching  in  pack 118 

To   saddle 104 

To  saddle  and  pack 107 

To    secure    equipment 108,  109 

To  take  posts 106 

To    turn   to   right   or    left    without   gaining   ground    to    the 

front 113 

To  unpack  and  prepare  for  action 117 

Stores,    arrangement   of 160 

Supernumeraries  not  to  be  used  with  gun  in  action 62 

Supply  chest,  arrangement  of 160 

Supply  division,  constitution  of 6 

Tripod,  arrangement  of,  when  not  in  use 159 

o 


RETURN  TO  the  circulation  desk  of  any 

University  of  California  Library 

or  to  the 

NORTHERN  REGIONAL  LIBRARY  FACILITY 
Bldg.  400,  Richmond  Field  Station 
University  of  California 
Richmond,  CA  94804-4698 

ALL  BOOKS  MAY  BE  RECALLED  AFTER  7  DAYS 
2-month  loans  may  be  renewed  by  calling 

(510)642-6753 
1-year  loans  may  be  recharged  by  bringing  books 

to  NRLF 
Renewals    and    recharges    may    be    made    4    days 

prior  to  due  date 

DUE  AS  STAMPED  BELOW 


JAN  18 1995 


Gaylord  Bros. 

Makers 

Syracuse,  N.  Y. 
PAT.  JAN.  21,1908 


YA  06338 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 


